A special-needs Bahraini teenager, who literally speaks through her art, is staging her first exhibition in Bahrain.

Fifteen-year-old Nada Al Sindi,  suffers from mild mental retardation and has difficulty speaking, but has instead learned to communicate through colour.

Seventy-four of her paintings are on display in Albareh Art Gallery, Adliya, at an exhibition that continues till January 31.

'I noticed her interest in art at an early age when she was only four,' her mother Eman Isa Al Nasser told the Gulf Daily News.

'I believe her art is coming from deep within her as a means of expression, which she can't do through her speech.'

Nada works in acrylic colours and her work often depicts relatives, structures and body parts - expressing clashing ideas, feelings of harmony and sadness or her secrets and deep thoughts.

'We try our best to stand beside her and give her our full and complete attention in the hope of inspiring her to continue her art and passion,' added her mother.

Nada has already attracted the attention of the Gifted Student Centre, Muharraq.

In a 2003 arts competition, she finished third in drawing, while in 2004 she finished second for her performance on the keyboard.

She finished third in 2005 in the photography section, as well as claiming third place in an Education Ministry art exhibition.

She also participated in a music presentation at an Indian Women's Association in 2006.

'Nada has always enjoyed painting, but says that she wants to be a musician when she grows up,' added Al Nasser.

'My hope is to send a message to the world that people with special needs are capable of doing anything.

'Only because they require special attention doesn't mean that they are not capable of anything.

'No one is incapable if given the chance and nourishment they need to grow and develop themselves.'

The exhibition, which is being held under the patronage of Social Development Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi, will open daily from 10am to 10pm.-TradeArabia News Service