August 04: Yusuf Arslan (pictured), a 19 year old with disabilities, has opened an exhibition displaying paintings that he has made using his left foot.

The opening of the exhibition was held at the Bodrum Municipality Square with the participation of Bodrum Mayor Mehmet Kocadon. Arslan attracted great interest from citizens and tourists during the opening ceremony.

Arslan said he had started painting at the age of 10 by coincidence. “I generally make abstract painting. My goal is to become a famous painter in the world but I need the support of officials.”

Arslan’s father Abdullah Arslan said his son had a physical handicap caused by blood incompatibility. “His blood should have been changed when he was born but it was not. He has been getting treatment since 1992 but it is of no use. He had a brain operation and his situation got worse.”

He said that his son had a very strong imagination, and that was very successful in oil painting, acrylic and charcoal.

“He entered the exams for the Fine Arts School in recent years. He passed the exam but his disability prevented him from attending the school,” he said. “Later on, he entered communication technologies but he had the same problem again. He is very good on the computer. He is now attending open high school and is also continuing at a private rehabilitation center in Erzurum. His doctor there saw his ability and encouraged him to open an exhibition. He has so far opened four exhibitions in Erzurum and Istanbul. Now he opened his recent exhibition in Bodrum with the support of the Bodrum Municipality.”

Arslan’s exhibition will run until Aug. 7.


Source: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com