Video: Man paints Sheikh Mohammed's photo with mouth

Dubai - Wheelchair-bound Indian artist paints 15 sq. ft portrait of Dubai Ruler as a 'thank you'.

An Indian artist, who is unable to use his hands, has painted a large, lifelike portrait of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, using just his mouth. And he says it is his way of saying thanks.

Despite never actually visiting the UAE himself, 31-year-old Keralite, P. Jesfer, said the 15 square foot portrait is a tribute to Sheikh Mohammed for his support towards people with disabilities.

"In April, when Sheikh Mohammed announced that people with disabilities will now be called people with determination, it was a real morale booster for me," Jesfer told Khaleej Times.

Since childhood, Jesfer has been living with muscular atrophy, a condition that limits his physical movement and has left him in a wheelchair for the past several years.

But so impressed was he by the steps taken towards the welfare of people with determination in Dubai, he decided to spend the past four months painting a portrait of Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, as a personal thank you.

"I have been following Sheikh Mohammad and Sheikh Hamdan on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for several years. When I saw the report on Sheikh Hamdan's speech supporting the Para Olympians, I was touched," he said.

Jesfer's impressive painting, which depicts Sheikh Mohammed embracing Sheikh Hamdan, took more than 500 hours to complete, along with a lot of "blood, sweat and tears".

"Some days I worked on it for two to three hours a day, and other days I spent a full day or night painting," he said.

And for those of you out there who may be sceptical of his work, there is also a time-lapse video on YouTube showing Jesfer in action.

The artistic journey

A talented artist for many years, Jesfer spent his childhood painting with his hands. But due to the progression of his disease, he was forced to give up the paintbrush temporarily.

"More than 15 years ago, as my condition worsened, I was unable to use my hands to paint, so I started to practice with my mouth," he said.

And ever since, he has become a perfectionist when it comes to the impressive art form. But it hasn't been an easy ride, he said.

"When I started practicing painting with my mouth I faced so many difficulties. The sharp end of the brush injured my mouth several times and it caused me so much pain in my eyes too. But gradually l got used to it."

Now, the dream is to gift the painting to the Dubai Ruler himself, and one day make it to the UAE for a visit.

"This portrait is my tribute to my dear leaders," he said.

About the artist

Born on January 2, 1985, in Kerala, India. While still at school, he painted using his hands, but due to the progression of the disease he had to quit school. Over the years he learned to write and paint with his mouth. After reading the autobiography of the then president of India, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, he was so inspired and touched that he painted the president's portrait and had the opportunity to present it to him personally.

Awards

2007 - Received the Kodamkanthath International Art Foundation

2009 -  Won the Sangamithra Award

2014 - Received the Face Foundation of India honorary award
 
Exhibitions

Jesfer participated in the International Art Exhibition at Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition centre in 2012.

He conducted an individual exhibition of his paintings in Calicut Lalithakala Academy Art Gallery in 2005 and 2007.

He is a member of the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists of the World (AMFPA).
kelly@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai