MAFPASA
Mouth & Foot Painting Artists
South Africa
South Africa
History
“A painter isn’t just made up of his hands, he paints from his heart” – AE Stegmann
Founding President Arnulf Erich Stegmann was born on 4th March 1912 in the city of Darmstadt, Germany.
At just two years old, a bout of spinal polio left him unable to use his arms and hands.
Yet, where others saw limitation, his young spirit and creativity saw a new way forward.
As he grew, his natural talent for art began to shine. Teachers, recognizing his determination, encouraged him to explore this gift. Without the use of his hands, he learned to paint using his mouth, using a palette knife to expertly wield oils. Watercolors soon followed.
At just two years old, a bout of spinal polio left him unable to use his arms and hands.
Yet, where others saw limitation, his young spirit and creativity saw a new way forward.
As he grew, his natural talent for art began to shine. Teachers, recognizing his determination, encouraged him to explore this gift. Without the use of his hands, he learned to paint using his mouth, using a palette knife to expertly wield oils. Watercolors soon followed.
A decade later, his dream took shape in a small yet momentous gathering. In 1957, artists from across the world met in Vaduz for the first General Assembly. This assembly marked the founding of the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (VDMFK). What began as a spark in Arnulf’s heart turned into a 67-year success story, bringing dignity, purpose, and a livelihood to countless artists who, like him, had found strength in the power of art.
South Africa
The South African journey of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists began in June 1958 with the opening of the local office in Kempton Park, Gauteng. Just two years later, in 1960, the Association proudly held its first exhibition in Johannesburg, marking the start of a movement that would inspire countless artists across the country.
It was at this inaugural exhibition that Phillip Swanepoel crossed paths with Erich Stegmann, the visionary founder and president of the Association. Deeply moved by Stegmann’s passion and determination, Phillip began painting with his mouth and later, with his foot. His talent and dedication earned him full membership in 1967, and he remained a vital part of the Association until his passing in 2012, leaving behind a lasting legacy of creativity and perseverance.
Today, that spirit lives on through 25 incredible artists across South Africa, each continuing to break boundaries and inspire with their extraordinary work.
It was at this inaugural exhibition that Phillip Swanepoel crossed paths with Erich Stegmann, the visionary founder and president of the Association. Deeply moved by Stegmann’s passion and determination, Phillip began painting with his mouth and later, with his foot. His talent and dedication earned him full membership in 1967, and he remained a vital part of the Association until his passing in 2012, leaving behind a lasting legacy of creativity and perseverance.
Today, that spirit lives on through 25 incredible artists across South Africa, each continuing to break boundaries and inspire with their extraordinary work.
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