José Antonio Bernal Marín
Murcia, 1989
José Antonio Bernal has been a member of ASSIDO’s Day Occupational Centre, the Association for People with Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disabilities, since 2013.
He is an outgoing, cheerful and enthusiastic person who is always eager to embrace new experiences. Curious by nature, he enjoys learning, exploring new activities and challenging himself creatively.
Visual art is one of his greatest passions, alongside sport and cooking. He also has a deep love of dance and is a member of “Así Somos”, ASSIDO’s Vocational Dance Company.
José Antonio is currently an active participant in ASSIDO’s Artistic Experimentation Workshops, where he explores a wide variety of techniques and materials, including watercolour, mixed media, inks, alternative surfaces, installation and sculpture. Through this process of experimentation, he continues to develop his own distinctive artistic voice, standing out for his originality, creativity and willingness to explore new forms of expression.
His work is created entirely from his imagination, without relying on visual references or external sources of inspiration. Every piece is deeply personal, reflecting his own ideas and inner world, resulting in artwork that is both authentic and unmistakably unique.
Although he has participated on several occasions in ASSIDO’s “Living Art” exhibitions, one of his most significant achievements came when an artwork of his was selected as the winning design in the competition that launched the ASSIDO DESIGN brand. The piece was chosen for its originality, strong visual identity and distinctive style, and became part of one of the brand’s first product collections.
Today, his work forms part of the inclusive design and outsider art philosophy that defines ASSIDO DESIGN, where original artworks by artists with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities are transformed into beautifully crafted homeware and lifestyle products.
Through these creations, ASSIDO DESIGN promotes ethical design, responsible consumption and products with a genuine social impact. Each piece celebrates creativity, inclusion and individuality while supporting opportunities for people with disabilities and helping to build a more inclusive society.
Every object tells a story of authenticity, respect and artistic expression, transforming original artwork into meaningful design and offering unique pieces that make thoughtful gifts with lasting social value.
