KANYEYACHUKWU TAGBO-OKEKE

www.kanyeyachukwu.com

The Youngest ever recipient of the Austrian flame of peace award, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke is a 13 yr old savant living with autism but, who has found expression through art. His talent was first noticed at the tender age of 4 when he would draw on bits of paper, walls, furniture and anywhere he found a flat surface. His abstract expressionism style is easily identifiable by his powerful strokes on canvas, and his works are a unique blend of colors, shapes, and textures that reflect his full expression.

Subconscious, spontaneous and automatic are some of the words used in describing his works. Many of which are painted in bold colours and brushstrokes with non naturalistic depictions.

Kanyeyachukwus story is one that inspires and reinvigorates hope amongst all of us and especially the millions of parents, siblings, caregivers, etc. of children living with autism all over the world. It is also a story that reminds us that “no child should be left behind” no matter the neuro diversity challenges they may face.

To celebrate the diversity of children living with special needs in our society, every year Kanyeyachukwu hosts a week-long multiple group exhibition titled “F.A.T (Fabulous Autistic and Talented) Art” to mark the WORLD AUTISM MONTH.

This exhibition is aimed at raising awareness, and promoting acceptance and inclusivity for children living with autism and special needs in our society. At the end of this week long event, a donation of a portion of the proceeds accrued at the event is made to charitable causes in Nigeria.

Kanyeyachukwu has participated in quite a few exhibitions; these include:-

• 2018 OFID international world peace day exhibition, Vienna Austria

• 2019 Arkane Afrika exposition international d’art, Casablanca Morocco

• 2021 New York Art Expo, New York, USA

• Vancouver 2022 Art Expo, Vancouver Canada (Kanyeyachukwu’s piece titled“Expression of Harmony”graced the cover of their 2022 journal).

• This year, Kanyeyachukwu had his first successful solo exhibition outside Nigeria at the Kente Royal Art Gallery in historic Harlem New York

• 2023 World bank IFD African Day event, Washington Dc

Welcome to Kanyeyachukwus world