Artist Statement
A PART, AND YET APART
Niam Jain challenges us.
In considering Jain’s aesthetic, we’re often compelled to draw parallels, tying his work to the Pointillism or Action Painting movements, for example. In some measure, these associations are justified – one could make a strong case for a number of historical comparisons. Hints of Abstract Expressionism. A touch of Jackson Pollock, perhaps. Maybe Riopelle. Indeed, as Jain exists as a productive and successful painter, he has earned some standing within the creative continuum.
However, Niam Jain is not himself aware of the collective visual vocabulary. He is incapable of working within any ‘genre’ but his own. He is incapable of mimicry. Being autistic and non-verbal, Jain is largely untethered to any artistic lineage. By virtue of those limitations defined for him, Niam Jain’s work is inherently singular.
So, do these creative parallels inform or limit our understanding and appreciation of Niam Jain and his work? How do you reconcile this duality? To be a part, and yet apart?
Consider Niam Jain, the painter, as a singular artistic voice
Niam Jain’s technique is deeply intuitive. His approach embraces spontaneity and raw emotional output, where the physical act of painting becomes an immediate, visceral response to his unique perception of environment. Jain’s brushstrokes capture moments of profound connection between the artist and his canvas, reflecting the artist’s extraordinary ability to channel his emotional and sensory experiences directly onto the canvas, making the process of creation as important as the finished artwork.
Jain’s response to environment most often results in a glorious symphony of vibrant colour and rich texture. Working in the impasto style, Jian manipulates a liberal application of oils with the precision and intention of a conductor – sometimes resulting in a maelstrom of tightly-knitted brushstrokes or sharp intersections of contrasting colour, others a calming wash of gently-blended complimentary tones. His palette is consistent and distinctive, yet its application to canvas is always surprising, always unique and very often audacious.
Nature is Jain’s muse. He consumes the fullness of his surroundings, breathing in every note and texture. Fortunate to have traveled to a host of diverse locales, Jain’s experience and recall of environment – through his painted works – demonstrates his attention to minutia, to those things often overlooked or underappreciated. It is a love letter from a singular creator to all of creation – the natural world as seen through a very unique lens.
Although one could never be completely certain of his artistic intentions, Niam Jain’s work seems to exist at the intersection of moment, thought, and feeling – each distinct yet interconnected. It is likely the greatest window into the artist’s existence as someone with autism – someone who likely perceives and processes sensory information in deeply layered and multifaceted ways.
Selected Credits
Apple TV
2017 – 2024
Two Paintings Featured in ”The Good Doctor”
Solo Exhibitions
2018
Abbozzo Gallery, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2018
University of Toronto Faculty Club, Toronto Ontario, Canada
2017
University of Toronto Faculty Club, Toronto Ontario, Canada
2016
Kontemporary Art Gallery, Calgary, Ontario Canada
Listed Auctions
2022
Heffel Gallery, Vancouver, British Columbia
2019
Heffel Gallery, Vancouver, British Columbia
Group Exhibitions
2023
Abbozzo Gallery, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2023
Vaughn Film Festival, Vaughn, Ontario
2021
Abbozzo Gallery, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2020
Abbozzo Gallery, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2019
Abbozzo Gallery, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2019
Heffel Gallery, Vancouver, British Columbia
2018
25th Anniversary Show, Abbozzo Gallery, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Public Installations
2024
Public Art Installation, City of Brampton, Ontario
Selected Exhibitions
2016
Autism Speaks Canada, Booth, Nathan Phillips Square, Canada
2016
Mackenzie Health Hospital, Booth, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2015
Gallery of Inspiration, Booth, Ritz Carleton Hotel, Toronto, Canada
Corporate Collections
2016
Samsung Canada
2016
Andrew Cumming (Private Collector)
Media (Television)
2024
CTV News, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Brampton, Ontario Art Installation
2023
CTV News, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
“Prominent Toronto Artist Speaks After Granite Club Discriminates”
2018
CTV News, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
“Art Of Teen With Autism Hangs In Toronto Gallery”
2018
CBC News, The National, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
“Artist Niam Jain’s Solo Show”
2018
CTV News, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
“Niam Jain Paintings Art Selling For Thousands Of Dollars”
2017
CTV News, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
“Teen With Autism Wins Anokhi Award”
2017
Accessible Media, Toronto, Ontario Canada
2016
CBC News, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
“Teen With Autism Becomes Art Sensation”
2016
CTV News, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
“Teen With Autism Has Solo Art Show At Toronto’s Faculty Club”
2016
Video Samsung Canada, National Social Media and Stores Campaign
“Niam Jain Artist Launches Look At Me Project”
2016
Rogers 10, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
“Niam Jain At Gallery Of Inspiration”
2015
Global News, Susan Hayes, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
“12 Year Old Finds His Voice Through Art”
Media + Bibliography (Online)
2023
Toronto Star, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
“A Wake-up Call: Elite Granite Club Discriminated Against Autistic Member, Human Eights Tribunal Finds”
2018
CTV News Staff. “Teen With Autism Displays Artwork In Solo Exhibit At Toronto Gallery” CTV News. www.ctvnews.ca
2018
Devika Goberdhan. ”Simply Awestruck: Art Exhibit Of Autistic Teen Artist Niam Jain Continues To Amaze” Web. Anmeco Optimedia Communications Inc. www.anokimedia.com
2018
Janet Fanaki. ”Niam Jain Shows No Boundaries With His Autism” Resilient People. www.resilientpeople.ca
2018
Unknown Author, ”Thumbs Up” Canadian Abilities Foundation. Web. www.abilities.ca
2017
Phillip Lee-Shanok, ”Autistic Artist About To Jump From Canvas To Fashion Runway” CBC News. Web. www.cbc.ca
2017
Mara McLaughlin, CBC News. ”Meet The 14 Year Old Artist With Autism Who Is Leaving His Mark On Canada’s Art Community” CBC News. www.CBC.ca
2017
Accessible Media Inc. ”Niam Jain” Accessible Media. www.amil.ca
2016
Ioanna Roumellotis, ”Autistic Teen Abstract Paintings Wow Collectors” CBC National. www.cbc.ca
2016
Michael Woodson, ”Art That Speaks Volumes” Artist Network. Web. www.artistnetwork.com
2016
Josh Kolm, ”Showing Off #WhoEyeAm” Stimulant. Web. www.stimulantonline.ca
2016
Daniel Dumitresou, Article In Romanian Featuring Niam & Artwork. Eva Magazine Romania. www.eva.ro
2016
Chase Your Dream Staff. ”Painting Your World” Chase Your Dream Foundation. www.thecydf.org
2016
Nina Jain. ”Teen With Autism Becomes Art Sensation” Bored Panda. www.boredpanda.com. 15 million Facebook likes.
2016
Families For A Secure Future. ”Niam Jain” Families For A Secure Future. www.familiesforasecurefuture.ca
2015
Susan Haye, ”12 Year Old Finds His Voice Through Art” Global News. www.globalnews.ca
Publications (Print)
2018
Canadian Family Physician, Toronto, MFC, Canadian College of Family Physician, Cover Art and Feature, National, Vol. 64. Issue 2
2017
Anokhi Media Magazine, Toronto, Anmeco Optimedia Communications Inc.
“Niam Jain Artist, Recipient of Anokhi Award”
2016
The Artist Magazine, Ohio, F+W Media, Abstract Art That Speaks Volumes
2016
Autism Ontario Annual Review Feature, Toronto, Autism Ontario, Cover And Feature
2016
Autism Ontario Magazine, Toronto, Autism Ontario, Cover and Feature
Awards
2022
Certificate of Artistic Achievement, The Luxembourg Art Prize
2017
Anokhi National Award, Youngest Canadian Recipient
Charity
2016
Autism Ontario. Donated Three Paintings To Raise Thousands Of Dollars. Live Auction
2016
Samsung Canada. Partnering With Samsung Canada To Donate 500 Tablets
2016
Trillium Hospital Foundation. Donated Painting. Sold For $2400.00.
Most Recent Private Commissions
2024, 2023, 2022, 2018
Questions
& Inquires
Buying Canadian artwork for your business?
Providing certain criteria are met, your purchase may qualify as a tax deduction.
Canadian
Tax Deductions
Buying Canadian artwork for your business?
Providing certain criteria are met, your purchase may qualify as a tax deduction.
Available
-
Fall Colours2024 -
Roses2024 -
North Wind2024 -
Calm Sea2024 -
Fallen Leaves2024 -
Glisten2024 -
Spring2024 -
Happiness2024 -
Harmony I2024 -
Winter Wonderland2024 -
Harmony II2024 -
Compilation2024 -
Flowers2024 -
Calm Waves2024 -
Spectacular Sunset2024 -
Beautiful Sunset2024 -
Symphony No 72024 -
Beautiful Summer2024