Chinese outsider art to feature at Expo Milano(2)

Outsider art has emerged as a successful art marketing category in the western world. The annual Outsider Art Fair has taken place in New York since 1993 and there are at least two regularly published journals dedicated to the subject. However, it hasn't had a mature market and extensive public recognition in China.

Li Ben

Li Ben, 52, has recovered from schizophrenia. He free draws first, and then searches for images in his free daub. He delineates the images and polishes them up. It helps Li to untangle depression and find his inner world. "It helps with psychotherapy," said Li.

Ba Zi

Ba Zi, 32, has enjoyed drawing since childhood and refused to receive painting training because the painting skills did not conform to his inner desires. Ba always tries to protect himself, leading to impaired social interaction.

Pin Fang

Pin Fang, 20, was diagnosed with autism at 4. His paintings originate from pictures captured by his phone. Pin recreates the images by following his imagination and emotions. He likes to turn on the radio when drawing to avoid disturbances.

Tao Zi

Tao Zi, 25, is the only painter in the center who has received a professional painting education. Her works are skillful and contain her unique feelings and creations. Her paintings explain her wandering between her inner world and the reality, as well as conflicts and contradictions.

She started to draw mechanical animals half a year ago. On the one hand, she would like to stay with animals. On the other hand, animals in the world have been transferred into mechanical ones, which make her uncomfortable.