Colours of connection

RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT BUZZ

The TIES Collective in collaboration with artist Clarice Vaz, will showcase their solo exhibition ‘Communication on Canvas’ at the Serendipity Arts Festival. It will open on December 15, 11 a.m. at the Access Village, Old GMC Complex, Panaji. It will be on display till December 21.

The exhibition is part of the Art-TIES Project, where young adults with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities from the TIES STAR Centre collaborate with professional artists. Each piece joins the students’ handprints and patterns with
the artist’s style.

The first series, ‘Communication on Canvas’, was created with Vaz, who developed a unique syringe painting technique to produce intricate textures and patterns.

Secretary of TIES and project lead Elizabeth Kurian states that the project began in June 2025. Vaz first observed the students’ abilities and then trained special educator Joycelyn Mendonca in her syringe technique. “Over several months, students practiced, repeated and refined their skills, while volunteers, including social worker Aquilla Fernandes, supported them throughout the process,” she says.

The students prepared the base layers using dab painting, balloon printing, stencilling, spray painting, leaf printing and block printing, which Vaz then turned into the finished artworks.

The series includes 10 acrylic-on-canvas paintings, each 12×16 inches and framed, titled ‘Dancing Sunbeam’, ‘Mystical Blue’, ‘From Light into Being’, ‘Assembly of Colours’, ‘The Noise Within’, ‘Autistic Joy’, ‘My Heart’s Algorithm’, ‘Flower Garden’, ‘October Sunset’and ‘Happy Heart’.

Describing the process, Vaz says, “The students hold their tools with focus and curiosity. Their marks may seem random but with guidance, they gradually form structured, vibrant and lively artworks. It’s like a conversation in colour and texture.”

Kurian adds that art has created special ties within the community. “It brings people together and shows that everyone, regardless of ability, has something valuable to offer. We hope more art spaces in Goa become accessible and inclusive so that everyone has the opportunity to
share their creativity.”

All proceeds from the sale of the artworks will go towards supporting the TIES STAR Centre. Over the years, students’ artworks have previously been transformed into practical products such as bags, pouches, art frames, coasters, jewellery and plant holders. “Our goal is to provide engagement that can evolve into livelihoods. These collaborations not only showcase talent but also raise awareness,”
says Kurian.

Following this first series, the TIES Collective has already begun a second series with artist Raj Bhandare, with more collaborations planned in the near future.