Posted on August 20, 2023
Breaking Boundaries: Quadriplegic Mouth Painters Inspire Art Students to Think Beyond Conventional Techniques
On May 19, 2023, the Department of Humanities Education organised a unique event that aimed to challenge stereotypical ideas about artists and their creativity. Dr Steyn invited Anton van den Berg and Chris Opperman, two mouth painters with quadriplegia, to demonstrate alternative painting methods to second-year art education students.
During the event, Anton van den Berg and Chris Opperman showcased their remarkable talent and expertise by demonstrating unconventional techniques for creating beautiful artwork using their mouths. Their demonstration aimed to break the misconception that artists can only be creative by using their hands. alternative techniques introduced by the experts. Anton van den Berg and Chris Opperman generously shared their knowledge and guided the students to paint using their mouths.
This event provided a valuable learning experience for the students, allowing them to explore and appreciate different forms of artistic expression. It challenged their preconceived notions about creativity and encouraged them to think outside the box regarding artistic practices.
The initiative taken by Dr Steyn and the involvement of Anton van den Berg and Chris Opperman created an inclusive and empowering environment where students could learn from individuals who have overcome physical challenges to pursue their artistic passions. This event serves as a reminder that creativity knows no boundaries and can be expressed through various methods and techniques.
During their learning process, the students, guided by experts, gained an insight into the limitless human capabilities and acknowledged Anton van den Berg and Chris Opperman as professional artists. The students observed first-hand the skill, precision, and creativity of mouth painting. The artists’ resilience and determination in overcoming physical challenges deeply inspired the students. As a result, the students gained a newfound appreciation for the power of art and the ability to overcome obstacles. They were motivated to approach their own artistic endeavours with a fresh perspective and a willingness to explore unconventional techniques.
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