TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Liu Liu (劉劉), a 30-year old man with Hydrocephalus, received recognition for his painting “Chinese New Year Firecrackers” in the 2018 edition of the Paralym Art World Cup—a competition held in Japan recognizing the artistic talents of people with disabilities from around the world.

Liu Liu is a tenant at Grown-up with Hands Family (拙茁家園), a center for people with severe physical or mental impairments in Hsinchu County (新竹縣). Liberty Times reports he was admitted to the center as an orphan and has long exhibited a passion for drawing.

Liu Liu, who has a mental age of four, expresses a desire for family reunion through his art, the report states. He has two brothers who also suffer from developmental disabilities, and are allowed to visit him once a year during Chinese New Year.

The award-winning abstract painting depicts firecrackers during a Chinese New Year celebration in vibrant bursts of color.

Nearly two-thirds of children sheltered in the Catholic institution are orphans or from low-income and single-parent families, said Director Wang Chiung-ju (王瓊如). A range of courses including art, music, and plant cultivation are organized to help stimulate their potential, she said, adding that it was thanks to the assistance of philanthropic enterprises that tenants like Liu Liu have had the chance to display their artistic abilities in international events, wrote UDN.

Liu Liu's award-winning work (Photo/[email protected])