Young artist turns struggles into strength at mental health art exhibition

At just eight years old, Patrick Gong Heshan stands as the youngest exhibiting artist at the “I Am Ok. Am I Okay?” Mental Health Art Exhibition, currently being held at GMBB Kuala Lumpur. The exhibition, organised by So Extra Market, is a travelling showcase from Miri that explores emotional resilience and mental wellbeing through art. Running from October 30 to November 9, 2025, the event gathers artists who transform personal challenges into visual narratives of healing, hope and awareness.

Patrick’s journey in art began long before he could understand the meaning of creativity. Born with Alagille Syndrome—a rare genetic disorder affecting multiple organs such as the liver, heart, kidneys, skeleton and eyes—he spent much of his early years enduring painful and complex medical symptoms, including liver swelling, bleeding episodes and severe itching.

During those difficult years, art became his quiet refuge. Scribbles and circles on paper, later on a magnetic drawing board, offered moments of peace amid hospital stays and medical routines. His mother, Cordelia Lee Suet Fun, encouraged his creative outlet, nurturing a bond through shared artistic exploration. When she joined art workshops organised by Staedtler Malaysia in 2024, Patrick’s curiosity deepened, and he began experimenting with calligraphy, painting, and themed drawings—starting with playful motifs such as donuts before moving on to hearts, trees, and eventually robots inspired by Pacific Rim.

Finding purpose through art

Patrick’s inclusion in the GMBB exhibition came after So Extra Market organisers were moved by the sincerity behind his submission. His artwork charts a visual journey of living with a rare condition and the mental health challenges that accompany it. It reflects a child’s evolving understanding of pain, healing, and hope.

Beyond his art, Patrick’s story extends into advocacy and community engagement. A liver transplant survivor, he has become an outspoken supporter of causes close to his heart—including rare disease awareness, organ donation, and neurodivergence. Despite facing ADHD and dyslexia, he continues to find ways to inspire others through creativity and empathy.

Living beyond limitations

Outside of the art world, Patrick is also an avid young runner, having completed more than 80 five-kilometre runs since 2023. He is currently training in public speaking with the Johan Speaking Academy, preparing to use his voice to motivate others. His compassion shines through his visits to hospital wards, where he brings comfort to other children who face similar medical struggles.

Patrick’s journey embodies the central message of the “I Am Ok. Am I Okay?” exhibition—that living with challenges, whether physical or mental, does not define or diminish one’s potential. His presence among adult artists serves as a reminder that resilience can begin early, and that art can be both a therapy and a bridge toward understanding the complexities of mental health.

The exhibition continues at GMBB’s Level 3 until November 9, inviting visitors to witness stories of endurance, recovery and self-love through the eyes of artists like Patrick—proof that even in the smallest hands, art can carry powerful messages of hope.