Aam, the Foot Painter whose Artwork Goes International

GRESIK (21 April 2022) - His eyes lit up with enthusiasm when he introduced the painting of the face of Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Muhammad Amanatullah, this talented artist, admitted that he only finished the painting in 2 days, normally 5 days.

Unexpectedly, the man who is familiarly called Aam paints in an unusual way, with his feet and mouth. This is because this 29-year-old man is a physically disabled person.

Aam is not an amateur artist. He has gone international and is listed as a member of the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists of the World (AMFPA) in Switzerland. He continues to send his works to be exhibited in various countries by the AMFPA and earns money.

Aam was one of the beneficiaries of the Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) program from the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA). At that time, there was a visit of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo to Pasar Baru Gresik, accompanied by Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini.

Aam received ATENSI program from MoSA in the form of a package of painting tools to support his emerging talent.

Aam admitted that his success up to this point received full support from the government. "That's why I made this painting, apart from being grateful, I believe that people with disabilities will always need support from the government," said Aam who graduated from the University of Muhammadiyah Gresik with a Cumlaude predicate.

When he was in grades 3-5 of elementary school, he found that he was talented in drawing, starting with using crayons and paper. By the Surabaya City Government, he then participated in various national-level competitions.

He was admitted to a painting studio afterwards to deepen his talent after graduating from high school in 2012. He was introduced to canvas, watercolor and oil paints. Since then his talent has been honed.

His paintings were once bought up by collectors at exhibitions. A total of 11 paintings were sold for a total price of IDR 14 million. He also sells his paintings at various exhibitions, one of which is the East Java Fair.

Moreover, he was also given a college scholarship by the government. He completed his undergraduate studies majoring in Elementary School Teacher Education and received a Cumlaude predicate. This achievement coincided with his acceptance to become a member of AMFPA.

His inspiring story has attracted a lot of attention from the government and various private media. He also shared his story in some television media.

His achievements can not be separated from the support of his parents. "My motivation is my parents. What strengthens me is not being ashamed of my physical condition. I think I am not disabled, I am normal like the others", he said.

Aam hopes that other friends with disabilities will continue to pursue and explore their respective talents. "Bring it on, friends. We have to be confident. If we do so, Allah will also give us what we ask for," he said.

Rachmat Koesnadi, Head of the Temanggung Kartini Integrated Center, also spoke up. "Everyone should appreciate Aam's achievements. In accordance with the direction of the Minister of Social Affairs, Mrs Tri Rismaharini continues to strive to respect the protection and fulfillment of the rights of persons with disabilities," he said.

Rachmat told the media crew that MoSA would assess Aam's needs, one of which is accessibility aids to make Aam's mobility easier.

In addition, Rachmat also said that he would provide space for Aam to sell his paintings at the ATENSI Creation Center (SKA) owned by the Ministry of Social Affairs. "Yes, we will try in the future to see if his artwork can be marketed in the SKA owned by the Ministry of Social Affairs", he said.

The working visit of the President of the Republic of Indonesia to Pasar Baru Gresik at the same time handed over ATENSI, PKH, BPNT and BLT cooking oil assistance for residents in need. Specifically for ATENSI program provided to beneficiaries in Gresik, East Java, with a total of IDR 581,915,200.

This ATENSI program consists of ATENSI Savings for Orphans, Accessibility Assistance, Basic Needs Assistance and Entrepreneurship Assistance.

Public Relations Bureau

Ministry of Social Affairs