The Mouth and Foot
Painting Artists
Nearly thirty years ago Mr. Felix Wiesinger who was known
to Mr. Stegmann represented the MFPA in India after that his
son Mr. Robert Felix Wiesinger continued with the job who took
over the printing & publishing business of the family. Just
recently in March 2001 Mr. Girish Kabra who is closely know
to Mr. Robert Felix Wiesinger and also happens to have a vast
experience in marketing joined hands and formed this new company
to promote the work of the artists in a massive way all over
India.
Introduction: Art through adversity
A polio victim, Arnulf Ercih Stegmann grew up without the use
of his arms yet built a highly successful career in Germany
by painting with a mouth-held bruch. It was his belief that
if painters with similar problems formed a co-operative it would
be possible for them to live by their artistic efforts and enjoy
a sense of work security that until then had eluded them.
This aim was to be achieved by the marketing of their work in
the form of greetings cards, calendars, prints and illustrated
books. The result has been a unique worldwide art movement.
One of the main themes of Stegmann's credo was that the new
international Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists
must never be regarded as a charity because many of its members
were in wheelchairs or even hospitals beds. To him the key word
was "partnership" - the word "charity" was as abhorrent to him
as the word "pity" - and the Association has always proclaimed
that it is not a charity and does not qualify for charitable
assistance.
From the beginning its members have had full control of the
enterprise that enables them to enjoy a secure livelihood despite
severe handicap and which has given them a purpose in life.
Many have achieved international recognition through work produced
with brushes held by their teeth or clenched between their toes.
M.F.P.A. is not a charity but a company entirely owned by seriously
disabled members of the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting
Artists.
Objectives:
The Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (AMFPA) is
an international organisation, owned by its artist members.
MFPA Artists Pvt. Ltd is representing them in India whose purpose
is to:
Make contact with all people who are either artists who have
lost the use of their hands through accident or illness and
who paint with the brush held in the mouth or in the toes; or
people who, having been born or become disabled, wish to learn
to paint and support themselves throught the sale of their work.
Take care of its artists interests by helping them to sell their
work, primarily in the form of reproductions as greetings cards,
calendars and other artworks.
Publish material which communicates and supports the purpose
of the organisation.
Help disabled artists to attain self-respect, creative fulfilment
and financial security.
To create a marketing network throughout India to have easy
accessibility for people to buy all their products.
To create awareness among the people of India about these artists
who are proud to achieve their livelihood through their work
of art.
Contact us:
The Mouth and Foot Painting
Artists
Maker Bhavan No.1, 2nd Floor,
1 New Marine Lines,
Mumbai - 400020 (INDIA)
Phone : 2262 66 66 / 77 /
88 / 99
Fax : 2261 66 11
E-mail info@mfpaindia.com
Website: www.mfpaindia.com
Contact Person : Mr. Robert Felix Wiesinger / Mr. Girish Kabra
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