New Heights, New Fears

By Gabriel Rhed Osea Longid

The artist painted a baby monkey, clinging to the end of a branch. The whole tree is not visible, but one can tell he is high up — the way the monkey grips tightly. There is an air of uncertainty about him, a quiet fear in his eyes, as if he did not mean to climb so high up, but now that he is up there, he is unsure of what to do next. The artist understands that feeling well. Trying something new can feel immense, even if it seems small to others. The body remains still, but the mind is climbing, reaching, questioning, hoping. This painting captures that brief moment, about standing in the unknown, holding on, and being brave enough to either continue climbing up or find a way to go down.

About

At 12, Gabriel, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), approaches both art and life with extraordinary vibrancy, his neurodiverse perspective bringing unique depth to his creative expressions. His artistic journey interweaves with a remarkable talent for music, having mastered multiple national anthems with official recognition. Beyond the canvas, he finds inspiration in nature — whether swimming, exploring Singapore's parks, or scaling climbing walls with determined enthusiasm.

SKU: GABR-003

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Dimensions (WxH): 26cm x 36cm