Disabled artist who uses his mouth to draw portraits dreams of sharpening skills at art school

Kamogelo Mokwena wished for one thing: to be like other children who could use their arms, run, go to school and live a normal life. 

But in the last few years, the 18-year-old who is wheelchair-bound has learnt that his disability came with a unique gift he never would have discovered if he had the use of his arms.

Kamogelo is an artist who draws and paints beautiful portraits using his mouth.

“When I was growing up, I loved pens and pencils. When my young sister would come back from school, I would borrow her pencil and her drawing book and just draw.

“At first the drawings didn't make sense. I would just draw some animals or some pictures I saw in a book, I would look at the picture and draw while looking,” he said, adding that art calms his mind.

“My drawing talent makes me not overthink about my disability because when I am just sitting alone doing nothing, I think too much. I ask myself so many questions. Why am I like this? How is it that I am like this? Because some of the people don't recognise us.”

Born and raised in Bokgaga village in Tzaneen, Kamogelo aspires to get his work exhibited and open his own company.

He had to leave a school at a young age due to mistreatment and did not have the opportunity to study because of his disability.

“They were abusing us [disabled children] and not taking care of us. That affected me until I became sick and couldn't do anything. My mother took me out of the school,” he said.

When his mother, Christina Mokwena, failed to find another school for him, he had to stay home. However, at the age of 11, he began drawing.

Kamogelo describes his skill as a gift and a calling which has allowed him to feel he has a place in society. But while he is happy he has found some solace in art, he admits being disabled is challenging.

“Most people don't recognise me and other disabled people. That is what affects me the most. Many judge us because of our disability. I want to prove many people wrong and show them that being disabled doesn't mean that your life is stuck. 

“I want to prove them wrong — especially those who say I cannot go anywhere in life.”

Kamogelo said his drawings usually take two to three weeks to complete. The prices he charges depend on the size.

“It's not easy to draw with your mouth. It's hard but when there is a customer I have to try to make a plan not to delay them.”

While some may look at his work in awe, Kamogelo still dreams of going to art school to sharpen his skills.

“I see other children going to school, I don't just want to sit at home. I want to have my own company where I will exhibit my art.

“I have many dreams and I hope that one day I will achieve them and my goal. I want to be a businessman.”