Portraiture is being turned on its head by the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) – a group of artists who from birth, or through accident or illness, are unable to use their hands so instead hold a paintbrush in their mouth or with their foot.
Ten new paintings entitled ‘The Mouth and Feet That Made Them Famous’ have been created by the MFPA’s artists, who including their best known artist, Alison Lapper. The paintings depict British celebrities from the worlds of sports and entertainment.
Mouth artist Barry West poses beside his portrait of Royal Ballet dancer Bennet Gartside
The twist? Each painting focuses on a celebrity’s mouth or foot, rather than their whole face. This is a mutual celebration: of the mouth or foot that made each celebrity famous, as well as of the mouth or foot the artists used to create the painting.
This pioneering exhibition is the first of its kind and offers tangible proof that disability does not stand in the way of creativity. In fact, it demonstrates that disability can lead to creative innovation, as each artist in the group has found a unique way to create their paintings.
The exhibition is also testament to each artist’s serious talent. As the exhibition’s name suggests, each portrait will sweep art-goers off of their feet and the exhibition is sure to remain on everybody’s lips for months to come.
Paintings on display at the exhibition include the dazzling smile of singer Alesha Dixon, created by Alison Lapper MBE; the magic boot of Jonny Wilkinson CBE by Ian Parker, the dancing feet of the Royal Ballet’s Bennet Gartside by Barry West and the mouth of Grammy Award nominated, multi-platinum singer Susan Boyle by Rosalyn Moriarty-Simmonds OBE.
However, the event is a one off and for all of the artists it is sales from Christmas cards and other products reproduced from their original paintings, which provide a vital lifeline to financial independence. The new range of products will launch on October 14th and the MFPA hopes the public the public will be encouraged to support the campaign and choose a Christmas card with a cause this year.
Mouth and foot painter Tom Yendall with his portrait of Olympic cyclist Sir Bradley Wiggins
Alison Lapper MBE says “As artists we are constantly developing how we work and what art means. With this exhibition we sought to highlight the importance of the mouth and foot to the success of our famous subjects and to draw a pertinent parallel with the importance of the mouth and foot to the success of our artist group in particular. By examining the mouth and foot close-up, we create a closer and more intimate visual relationship with the talents that have made our subjects so successful.”
Jonny Wilkinson says, ‘I simply cannot comprehend the sheer ability of these artists. The capacity to paint at a level reserved for only the most gifted and to do it using their mouths and their feet is incredible. I am awestruck by the desire to learn, dedication, application, attention to detail and skill of everyone involved, not to mention the courage and tenacity. This experience has had an enormously inspirational and humbling effect on me all at the same time.’
Susan Boyle says, “I was very excited when I was approached by the MFPA and asked whether one of their incredibly talented artists could paint an image of my mouth. I’m thrilled with the finished work. It is amazing that Rosaleen Moriarty Simmonds OBE painted this entire portrait using her mouth. I’m in awe of her talent.”
Aled Jones MBE says, “I am honoured to be part of this fabulous project. I love the painting as it encompasses so much of who I am.”
Full line-up of paintings featured in the free exhibition ‘The Mouth and Feet That Made Them Famous’ are:
- The dazzling smile of singer Alesha Dixon by Alison Lapper MBE
- The magic boot of Jonny Wilkinson CBE by Ian Parker
- Strictly Come Dancing Dancer, Anton Du Beke by Katrina Gardner
- Grammy Award nominated, multi-platinum singer Susan Boyle by Rosalyn Moriarty-Simmonds OBE
- Singer and Classic FM presenter MBE Jones by Rob Trent
- Comedian Sean Lock by Steve Chambers
- Singer KT Tunstall by Leanne Beetham
- Cricketer Geoffrey Boycott OBE by Dave Cawthorne
- Olympic cyclist Bradley Wiggins CBE by Tom Yendall
- The dancing feet of the Royal Ballet’s Bennet Gartside by Barry West
The free exhibition will be open to the public from Thursday 8th October- Tuesday 13th October from 12:00-19:00 daily at Camden Image Gallery.
Members of the public will be able to buy reproductions of the MFPA artwork when the MFPA Christmas cards are released on 14th October.
For more information on the MFPA, visit: www.mfpa.co.uk
We would like to dedicate this exhibition to MFPA artist and board member Trevor Wells who unfortunately passed away just recently. A painting entitled ‘Snowed In’ by Trevor will also be on display, showcasing his truly brilliant talent that will not be forgotten.
Featured image: Mouth artist Alison Lapper MBE pouts beside her painting of singer Alesha Dixon specially commissioned for the new Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) exhibition launching on 8 October.
