Imlisunep Lkr paints under the watchful eyes of his mother Amenla and father Tiakumzuk Lkr. (Morung Photo)
‘Painting makes me happy,’ says the self-taught Mouth Painter from Nagaland
Morung Express News
Kohima | December 4
In 2020, Imlisunep Lkr (Longkumer), who draws inspiration from nature, embarked on his remarkable journey of acrylic painting and has sold over 30 paintings.
His journey is ‘remarkable’ as he was born with cerebral palsey, limiting the functionality of his body.
However, the 24-year-old Imlisunep from Dimapur has overcome the challenging barriers and self-taught himself to become a recognised Mouth Painter.
"Painting makes me happy. Ever since I was a child, art has always been my hobby," he told The Morung Express, while giving live demonstration of painting with his mouth, during the observance of International Day for Persons with Disabilities 2022 in Kohima on December 3.
An art display themed, “Art Unlimited” featuring the works of four Naga artists with disabilities were exhibited at event organised by the office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
The other artists were Amenuo Khoubve, Kutoli N, and Nokmachier L Jamir.
Despite limited hand functionality, he learnt to wield the paintbrush with his mouth in 2020, when he asked his parents to buy him painting materials.
He taught himself to paint without any classes or tutorials, 'just using his imagination', shared Imlisunep’s full-time caregiver and mother Amenla Lkr.
His family has been his biggest support and helps customise frames for his art pieces according to his directions.
At a very young age, he was always interested in art, informed Amenla, narrating how her son could not walk for the first ten years of his life, and thereby could not continue his education due to lack of resources, support and accessibility.
Tiakumzuk Lkr, father of Imlisunep, an electrician by profession, also acknowledged the support of his wife Amenla who has been the sole caregiver while he went to work.
"It has not been an easy journey, but we believe that God has blessed us. In future, I hope there is more encouragement and that the society opens up more paths and avenues for people with disabilities," he added.
Imlisunep's passion for painting runs deep. There are nights when he will not go to sleep, shared Amenla.
During such occasions, the entire family has to wait up on him and assist him by holding and passing the colours for him.
There are also times when he paints the entire day taking a few breaks in between, she added.
As per the mother’s account, Imlisunep is mostly confined indoors due lack of accessibility and the family has been able to take him to Kohima for the first time for the December 3 event with the encouragement and support of the State Commissioner for People with Disabilities
Apart from mouth painting, he also experiments with painting with his feet time to time.
"He has been the happiest since he started his journey of painting with his mouth. I think this is our success. And I hope there is a better future out there for people like him," expressed Amenla.
