Artistic autistic ‘stars’ in documentary

The world is now Yeak Ping Lian’s stage, thanks to his exhibitions and news of him in the media, including Australia’s 60 Minutes.VIVIENNE PAL catches up with the 12-year-old autistic savant, who is now the subject of a new Korean documentary that also features others like him, including Kim Peek, the original Rain Man, and Kodi Lee. 

When I met Sarah Lee on Tuesday, she appeared to be in a slightly frenzied state. Her discomfiture was understandable – Korea Broadcasting System (KBS) TV producer Hyun Mo Jung was in town to film Lee’s son, Yeak Ping Lian, in a documentary entitled “Savant Syndrome.”  

Jung ... was looking for an artistic savant from Asiawhen he was shown Ping’s works

Savant syndrome is an exceedingly rare, but remarkable condition in which persons with various developmental disorders, including autistic disorder, have astonishing islands of ability, brilliance or talent that stands in stark, markedly incongruous contrast to overall disability.  

Acknowledged an autistic savant by American psychiatrist Dr Darold A. Treffert (author of Extraordinary People: Under-standing the Savant Syndrome and consultant to the movie Rain Man), Ping has produced remarkable works of art. 

Some of his works have fetched high prices, including “Ubudiah Mosque 1,” bought for RM100,000 by an anonymous bidder during a charity auction, and “Twin Towers II,” which was purchased by a multinational company for RM10,000.  

In contrast with his mother’s discomposure, 12-year-old Ping was calm and unperturbed by the fact that he would be appearing on TV, not that it would be his first time.  

In the past two years since his artistic talent caught the media's attention, Ping had been featured on TV8’s Eve’s Diary and was more recently filmed in 60 Minutes, an Australian current affairs programme. 

But, Savant Syndrome is no small-time documentary and it is a rare honour for Ping to be featured alongside two other notable savants – the original Rain Man Kim Peek and Kodi Lee – in the 60-minute production by KBS, one of Korea’s largest TV stations. 

“I feel like ‘wow.’ Of all the autistic savants in the world, my brother will be filmed with Kim Peek in the documentary,” said Cher Lyn, Ping’s 14-year-old sister.  

Produced at a budget of US$45,000, the documentary will be aired in Korea on Sept 17 during prime time, with no commercial breaks.  

Ping’s bond with his 14-year-old sister Cher Lyn remains asstrong as ever in spite of the increased publicity on him.

“It took one and a half years of research to put this documentary together,” said Jung, adding that the documentary took shape when a cameraman from KBS’ bureau office in Los Angeles witnessed nine-year-old musical savant Kodi Lee’s remarkable performance on the grand piano at a church event.  

Curiosity at the boy’s ability led the KBS crew to an in-depth study on autism and the savant syndrome, followed by meetings and correspondences with Dr Treffert, who subsequently introduced them to Kim Peek and Ping.  

“This documentary is about the savant syndrome and the journey to the discovery of the power of the human brain, particularly in autistic people. 

“We wanted to feature an artistic savant from Asia (both Peek and Lee are from the US), and Dr Treffert showed us Ping’s “Twin Towers” and “Ubudiah Mosque 1.” We were impressed. 

“We want to touch people’s hearts, teach the Korean community that autistic savants are geniuses. They are just like us, but communicate differently.  

Ping drawing the Petronas Twin Towers, which is one of his favouritesubjects. His mum, Sarah Lee, believes that constant encouragement helpsnurture her son’s talent.

“If you look at them differently, there’s no way you can be a part of their world,” said Jung, adding that plans are under way for a sequel entitled Beyond the Power of the Human Brain.  

Despite the increasing limelight, life goes on as usual for Ping and family.  

“We’ve never taught him that it is a big achievement to be on TV, so he is not really concerned about appearing on screen. Fame or no fame, at the end of the day, he is happiest when he is drawing,” said Lee. 

The home, from the last time I visited, was as cosy as ever and its walls lined with Ping’s framed artworks. Ping goes to school as usual, waters the plants in the garden with his water gun and adores his dog.  

Academically, he has improved in his reading, writing, comprehension and number skills.  

Art-wise, Ping is now able to work independently, while demonstrating marked improvement with bolder strokes, more rhythm in the way he blends his colours, and more inclination to the abstract.  

Perhaps the most heart-warming of all is how the family has remained as close as ever and realised that all the attention is merely positive reinforcement to encourage and further nurture his talent.  

MILESTONES  Here is a glimpse of the milestones – past, present and future – in Yeak Ping Lian's life:   2003 “Different Strokes: Diversity Through Art” exhibition at National Art Gallery.  2004 “TIMEOUT@Reka” exhibition at Reka Art Space “Different Strokes: Diversity Through Art” exhibition at National Art Gallery Solo exhibition held in conjunction with Sujeet Desai’s musical concert Exhibited art works of University Malaya faculty buildings at University Malaya Pesta Pendidikan Ko-Kurikulum 2004 “Through My Eyes” exhibition at Villa Lotus International presentation of Ping’s artworks by Dr Laurence Becker (also a consultant to the movie Rain Man) at Texas Youth Leadership Forum for Young Persons with Disabilities, and Centre for Autism Syndrome Disorder Conference, Texas Participation in the RDA Charity Ball grand auction in aid of the Riding for the Disabled Association Malaysia, in which Ping's rendition of “Ubudiah Mosque 1” fetched RM100,000 from an anonymous bidder.   2005 Solo exhibition at Association of British Women in Malaysia (ABWM). Solo exhibition at Suria KLCC Complex in conjunction with Suria KLCC Kid’s Carnival. Featured in 8TV’s programme Eve’s Diary. Filmed for Australia’s 60 Minutes as part of the show’s coverage of Professor Allan Snyder from Centre for the Mind and his work. Segment to be aired late 2005. Filmed for Korea Broadcasting System’s Savant Syndrome documentary alongside Kim Peek and Kodi Lee. To be aired in Korea on Sept 17. In the midst of preparing for a one-night private exhibition scheduled for the last quarter of the year. The event will be organised and sponsored by an undisclosed corporation.  2006 Invitation by Henry Gregg Gallery in New York to participate in an exhibition in January. The same organisers are planning an exhibition tour in the US for Ping. Continue education in special needs in Australia. Placement in institution obtained, currently in the process of arranging sponsorship and logistics.