By Michael Dibie, Abuja
A renowned 15-year-old autistic Nigerian artist and art advocate, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke on Wednesday unveiled the largest art canvas in the world at Eagle Square, Abuja.
The event, was a groundbreaking achievement for the global art community and to mark the world’s Autism Day 2025.
An official presentation of the Guinness World Records Certificate, was made to Kanyeyachukwu also known as Kanye recognising his extraordinary accomplishment by an individual painter.
His mother, Silvia Tagbo-Okeke says his journey started as a young child discovering colour as a language of expression and a tool for communication.
“Painting is part of him, it is in him, so it very easy for him to do this and it doesn’t take away the autism, he is still autistic, he is still restless but when he is painting, he is not restless, he paints for up to 5-6 hours without getting tired but if he is not painting, you see him jumping all over the place, that is the miracle of Kanye”
According to some Art lovers, the extraordinary achievement is not just a record-breaking work of art but a bold declaration that impossible is indeed a myth.
“Also creating awareness in various communities to be more inclusive for children to support children with any form of disability so they can thrive and be developed,” said Cristian Munduate UNICEF country Representative.
Titled, Impossible is a Myth, and measuring about 12, 303 square meters,the autistic visual artist, no doubt, prove that artistic ability knows no boundaries, regardless of age, The current record, held by Emad Salehi, stands at 9652 square meters.
Nigeria’s Minister of Culture, Tourism and creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa said the country is putting in place structures and the framework to help creative people.
‘For the creative industry, we already have a plan in place for job creation because I think the creative industry has the ability to reach as many Nigerians as possible,” she added.
“For children with autism, it is not the end of the world, you can turn disability into ability and make life better for other people. Before people with autism were regarded as lost and locked away but today, it’s different,” Kanye’s grandfather, Chief Okeke said..
By attempting the new Guinness World Record, Kanye has shattered stereotypes associated with neurodiversity.
The autistic artist had a solo art exhibition in Dubai tagged ‘FAT’, depicting, he is Fabulous, Autistic and Talented.
