Changing the World

What is so special about autistic artists? For one, their art stands out of the crowd appealing to wide audiences. Janson's colours burst out of the canvas - as reflected in the book. His success path is a powerful message of hope to 'special needs' artists and their families - that dis-ability can be transformed into extra-ordinary ability. Autistic artists don't go down well-trodden paths so the visionary quality of their work appeals to collectors looking for the next trend. This is why Dubuffet named a whole movement "Art Brut" (the French for 'raw art') in the 1920s. In the first 2 years of his painting career, he featured in over 30 exhibitions, 14 of these as solo artist and sold over 90 paintings in the USA, Europe and other parts of the world. In December 2010, he will feature in his third international exhibition in Paris. Janson's budding talent has been recognised by arts critics as being part of the "Waikato talent pool" (Waikato Times) and arts personalities such as Natasha Conland, Curator Auckland Art Gallery who selected his painting as a finalist for the Trust Waikato National Contemporary Arts Award ("Yaniv's colour and texture combination is unique and exciting"). Similarly, the three judges for the Wallace Trust Arts Award (Linda Tyler, Director of the Centre for New Zealand Art Research and Discovery with Dick Frizzell and James Robinson, well known New Zealand artists) recognised his talent by selecting him as a semi finalist for 2008. These are two of the most prestigious Art Awards in New Zealand, and Yaniv was the youngest artist featuring in both.In total he has received 10 awards for his art and leadership... just as he was turning 18.