By Elizabeth Willoughby on
Artist Yoko Ono's two-metre jigsaw puzzle mural, called Promise, is being auctioned piece by piece to raise money for Autism Speaks. The art work was unveiled on April 2 on the United Nation’s World Autism Awareness Day.
Yoko explains the mural’s white clouds on blue sky, already missing some pieces: “Once the solution for autism is discovered, we will see the sky shimmering in its original beauty, with no holes.”
Her long-time friend, Peter Brown, explains the 67-piece acrylic puzzle further: “She met John [Lennon] in ’67 and, coincidentally, there are an estimated 67 million people around the world with Autism.”
Autism is a complex neurological disorder that effects language development and the ability to have social relationships. Autism Speaks funds research into its causes, preventions, treatments and support for families affected by it. The charity also raises awareness, and attention is exactly what autism is getting.
On World Autism Awareness Day, many world leaders spoke out. US President Barack Obama issued this statement: “…We must build a world free of unnecessary barriers, stereotypes and discrimination. Policies must be developed, attitudes must be shaped, and we must ensure that everyone has the chance to live independently as full citizens in their communities. For too long, the needs of people and families living with autism have gone unrecognized and underappreciated. That is why my administration supports increased funding for autism research, treatment, screening, public awareness, and services for Autism Spectrum Disorders.”
Austism Speaks says: “It is our firm belief that, working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle.”
Copyright © 2009 Look to the Stars
