Come November 2nd 2019, all roads will lead to Terra Kulture, Lagos as young art prodigy Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo Okeke will be holding his first solo exhibition.
Kanye, 9, fondly called the ‘Young Picasso” by his admirers during the exhibition themed “Impossibility is a Myth” will showcase some of his works to art lovers.
The week-long exhibition will take place under the chairmanship of Ernest Nnaemeka Azudialu-Obiejesi
The theme aptly describes little Kanye who defied all odds to overcome autism and establish himself as an exceptional talent.
According to Tagbo Okeke, Kanye’s father, art provided Kanye with an escape route from the dark world of autism.
“Art has helped Kanye connect with his family and society at large. He is comfortable in the Art environment and though at first, it was hard to take in, we later understood his thought process and what certain pictures represent to him” he said.
He is also giving back to the society through his foundation Kanye Autism Foundation (KAF) which has become a shining light and reference point in the advocacy for Autism, a percentage from the exhibition will be dedicated to the foundation.
Kanye’s paintings have graced the walls of several galleries and museums in Nigeria, Europe, other parts of Africa, gaining wide acceptance in the art world with art collectors and enthusiasts viewing his works and making purchases.
His art has been described as “deep, highly intelligent, and unbelievably very mature for his age” infusing the deep colours of our society and in his way, brings it to life on canvas. His works have been the cynosure of all eyes at various exhibitions as more art aficionados in Nigeria and beyond have taken interest in his works.
Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo Okeke
His talent has not gone unnoticed as the awards and recognition has also been coming in, in their droves. In September 2018 in Vienna, Austria, he was conferred and remains the youngest recipient of The Flame of Peace award, he is also a recipient of the Indomie 2019 Independence Day Heroes award for his Autism awareness campaign and the youngest fellow of Association of Professional Creative Artists in Nigeria, APCAD.
Kanye has participated in quite a number of exhibitions for his age, most of which have helped to announce him as an upcoming creative genius. Some of his paintings are in the collections of prestigious art museums like the Museum of Young Art, MOYA, Vienna, Austria. His paintings also adorn the walls of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja; Nigerian Embassy, Vienna; Pakistan Embassy; Kuwait Embassy; Finland Embassy; to mention a few.
Kanye’s creativity also got to the ears of the art community and art connoisseurs in Europe including Archduke and Arch Duchess of Austria; Suleiman Al-Herbish, the Director-General (DG) of the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), an intergovernmental development finance institution established by the Member States of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), whose yearly art exhibition showcases artists from around the world whose works are dedicated towards peaceful coexistence in the world.
Mr Nzam Ogbe, Dr Mrs Jennifer Abubakar are also some individuals who have Kanye’s paintings in their collection.
Little wonder Chief Kingsley Okafor Ksji, National President, Association of Professional Creative Artists in Nigeria, (APCAD) said “the Creative Arts of tomorrow surely belongs to Kanye and his likes. I can attest to this” he said.
