Talented Teen Artist with Autism Showcases His Work at the National Museum

Meet the Young Artist: Maxim Lagun

At just 16 years old, Maxim Lagun has already accomplished what many artists dream of achieving in a lifetime. He has organized multiple exhibitions, authored a beloved children’s book, and performed in numerous theater productions. However, Maxim’s journey hasn’t been an easy one. Until the age of 10, he barely spoke.

Maxim’s Favorite Painting

One of Maxim’s favorite paintings is inspired by the movie “The Incredible Hulk.” His mother adds that a poster of this scene hangs in his room. Many of the paintings in the exhibition reflect Maxim’s daily life. Several works depict the art studio he attends, a place he knows well and has painted many times. There are also paintings of the theater where Maxim has spent countless hours, a place he speaks about with familiarity and affection.

Artistic Talent and Professional Recognition

Maxim’s work has caught the attention of art critics. Larisа Finkelstein, an art critic, commented on his work: “What we see is self-sufficient, expressive, and extraordinary, with many professional qualities. The author has great potential.” Upon hearing the word “autism,” she added:

When we talk about an artist, we should talk about their work. Not about what their hands or legs are like, or how their stomach works, and so on. That’s not our concern. Our job is to evaluate art. Not to provide crutches and evoke pity in the viewer, or to give the artist any discounts. This sinks the author. And it doesn’t allow us to open ourselves up to perceive why we came.

Maxim’s Journey with Autism

Maxim began drawing at the age of six. His talent was evident, but so was his autism, which made it difficult for him to learn and communicate. He barely spoke. However, everything changed when he joined the “Family Inclusive Theater.” This unique theater group does not separate children with autism from others. They perform and learn together, following a special methodology developed by the teachers.

Maxim began to communicate, perform on stage, and participate in class. He made friends and now happily guides visitors through his exhibition. The theater’s director, Irina Kiseleva, and producer Leonid Dinnerstein have played significant roles in Maxim’s life and helped organize this exhibition.

Maxim is a genius. But do you know what his greatest success is? He has friends, he communicates with people, and he talks about his paintings with pleasure. He doesn’t just paint pictures immersed in his own world. An autism specialist from Holland told me many years ago that drawing would ruin Maxim, as drawing is his stigma. And parents would have to choose: either an artist with autism or a person with autism capable of living in society. But I was able to structure his activities and, most importantly, his motivation in such a way that he became an artist who happily lives in society. I am very proud of this.

The Exhibition and Autism Awareness

The exhibition opened on April 2nd, World Autism Awareness Day. According to recent data, autism spectrum disorders affect 1 in 54 children. This is a significant and unresolved issue. Children with autism can learn, communicate, and have great potential, but they often stay at home. The Family Inclusive Theater is actively working to change this.

Maxim Lagun’s exhibition will run until April 30th. It is a testament to his talent, hard work, and the support of those around him. It also serves as a reminder of the potential and abilities of individuals with autism.