“I want to make you smile,” says Southern California artist Joel Anderson. A versatile talent, Anderson is an author, illustrator, international speaker, philanthropist, and award-winning artist whose creative expressions span painting, digital media, animation, and video production.

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Living with synesthesia and autism, Anderson draws inspiration from the interplay of his senses. “When I hear music, the notes have color,” he explains. Known for his vibrant and unconventional techniques, Anderson specializes in portraiture, striving to capture the soul of his subjects. His uniquely joyful work has earned him the title The Artist of Smiles.

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As an international speaker, Anderson uses his art to advocate for autism awareness, inclusion, and friendship, sharing his belief that God has a purposeful plan for every life. From preschool classrooms to university lecture halls, his message inspires audiences of all ages. In 2019, Anderson delivered talks at Drexel University in Philadelphia and Rutgers University in New Jersey.

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Anderson’s art has achieved global acclaim, with works exhibited in prestigious museums and galleries, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, where his work has hung alongside that of artists such as Jackson Pollock and others; the Chiba City Museum of Art; The National Art Center in Tokyo; the Oceanside Museum of Art in California; Soho Digital Art Gallery in New York City; and The California Museum. His participation in international group shows spans countries such as China, Peru, Japan, Canada, and Armenia.

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Featured in this exhibition are Anderson’s Bridging pieces, which merge visual art with video to deepen the viewer’s experience. This innovative approach stems from a collaboration with artist Jerome Gastaldi, who developed the Bridging concept, envisioning it as the future of art consumption and appreciation by global audiences.