Pic stroy: autistic artist's path to painting extraordinary life

Wang Jianshu paints at his studio in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Lu Ye)

Twenty-one years ago, Wang Jianshu's parents welcomed his birth with great hope. At three, he began to show differences from other children, and by five, he was diagnosed with autism.

To heal him, his parents had chosen various activities for him. In art class, Wang Jianshu showed a special sensitivity to color. His bold and unexpected color combinations came together in strikingly harmonious and imaginative ways. Noticing this talent, his teacher suggested his mother nurture his artistic ability.

At first, Wang's mother saw painting merely as a way to help Wang pass the time. But gradually, she noticed he could paint intently for hours, sometimes so joyfully that he would dance and sing while creating. His works also became a bridge for communication within the family.

When Wang was twelve, his mother entered his work into a competition. After unexpectedly winning an award, Wang was too excited to sleep that night. Since then, his mother has supported him in participating in exhibitions and publishing painting albums, through which he opened wider to the world.

Today, Wang Jianshu has created around 2,000 works, many of which have been displayed in exhibitions overseas. He has painted an extraordinary life on the canvas in his own unique way. 

This photo taken on Aug. 8, 2025 shows Wang Jianshu's works at his studio in Beijing, capital of China.(Xinhua/Lu Ye)

Wang Jianshu (R) paints in nature with his mother on a grassland in Chengde City, north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 18, 2025.(Xinhua/Lu Ye)

Wang Jianshu (2nd L) feeds animals on a grassland in Chengde City, north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 17, 2025.(Xinhua/Lu Ye)

Wang Jianshu paints at his studio in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 8, 2025.(Xinhua/Lu Ye)

Wang Jianshu paints at his studio in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 8, 2025.(Xinhua/Lu Ye)

Wang Jianshu (front, 5th R) attends the cooperation ceremony between a public welfare activity and a Chengde sports training base, in Chengde City, north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 18, 2025.(Xinhua/Lu Ye)

Wang Jianshu (R) paints in nature with his mother on a grassland in Chengde City, north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 18, 2025.(Xinhua/Lu Ye)

Wang Jianshu experiences the ski slope at a snow sports training base in Chengde City, north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 17, 2025.(Xinhua/Lu Ye)

Wang Jianshu jumps for joy while creating a drip painting at his studio in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 8, 2025.(Xinhua/Lu Ye)

Wang Jianshu picks mushrooms in a forest in Chengde City, north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 17, 2025.(Xinhua/Lu Ye)

Wang Jianshu records a video to introduce his works to netizens at his studio in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 8, 2025.(Xinhua/Lu Ye)

Wang Jianshu paints in nature on a grassland in Chengde City, north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 18, 2025.(Xinhua/Lu Ye)