The President, Society of Nigerian Artists, SNA, Muhammad Sulaiman, has announced that the artwork by a 14-year-old Nigerian autistic artist, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo Okeke, would be unveiled 2 April, 2025.
The record-breaking painting, titled “Impossible is a Myth,” measures 12,303 square meters and will be made public in Abuja.
The painting recently broke the Guinness World Record for the Largest Painting in the world. The previous record, which was held by Emad Salehi, stands at 9652 square meters.
It was created using acrylic paint on a massive canvas. The project spread over 12 weeks to complete the project.
This achievement, Sulaiman said, reflects Kanyeyachukwu’s unique perspective, artistic talent, and unwavering passion for self-expression.
He also disclosed plans to embark on an international and local tour to create awareness of autism, inclusion, and the transformative power of the arts.
He said: “Impossible is a Myth” will be unveiled and displayed at Eagle Square, Abuja, on April 2, 2025, and plans are underway for a national and international tour, as well as educational and advocacy programs to foster greater awareness around autism, inclusion, and the transformative power of the arts.”
Speaking on the milestone, Sulaiman, said Kanyeyachukwu’s “work reflects the boundless power of creativity as a tool for communication, advocacy, and transformation. The painting, rendered in Kanyeyachukwu’s signature abstract expressionist style, invites viewers into the vivid landscape of his mind, narrating the story of personal triumph over life’s challenges.
“This incredible achievement showcases Kanyeyachukwu’s talent, determination, and creativity, inspiring millions around the world.”
General Secretary, Society of Nigerian Artists, SNA, Rowland Goyit said the achievement not only breaks a record but also challenges artistic convention and societal expectations, demonstrating that art is a space for all, and that neurodivergent individuals can contribute meaningfully to global culture and discourse.
“Today, we stand at the intersection of creativity, resilience, and boundless human potential, as we celebrate a remarkable milestone on the successful completion of a new Guinness World Record attempt for the Largest Painting by none other than Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo Okeke.”
Kanyeyachukwu’s father, Tagbo Okeke, described his son’s success as a product of hard work and dedication to what he is passionate about.
He said Kanyeyachukwu’s journey as an artist began at a young age, when he discovered the power of color and creativity. Kanye was able to achieve this success because we were able to draw a timetable for him.
“Put aside the awards and everything, the exhibitions, the excitement that always goes with all these exhibitions, the major thing is he’s a child living with autism. Before Kanye was completely non-verbal, and now he’s partially non-verbal. Art has helped him to actually build his voice.
“Art has helped him to communicate more. One thing people always look aside, they see the finished product, they see the artwork, they don’t see where he’s going, they don’t see when he’s having his meltdowns, normally in the house, even having a meltdown when we stop him from going to paint.
“If he wants to paint right now, we say no, you have to do something else, maybe it’s time to eat, or it’s time to sleep.He says no, he wants to paint, he wants to paint, he can have a meltdown from there. Most children who are on the autistic spectrum do have meltdowns.
“You have to be firm, and insist that what he has to do at that point in time, he must do it, because we want to try to help him to live a normal life, and we want to try to build his social skills.
“So he needs to know that there are some things that he can do at a certain time, and then at another time, that same thing, he can’t do it.
He needs to understand the rules of life, sharing, caring, being affectionate. These are things that most children with autism avoid. They just want to live their life the way they please. But we try to build that in him, because we need to build that independence.”
Diagnosed with autism at an early age, Kanyeyachukwu has always used art as a means of communication and exploration. His work explores themes of colors, emotion, otherworldly imagination, and the connections between one’s inner humanity and the environment. This record-breaking canvas aims to show the world that artistic ability knows no boundaries, regardless of age, background, or neurodiversity.
“The record attempt is more than just about breaking a world record,” says Kanyeyachukwu’s parent Tagbo Okeke. In addition to raising awareness for autism, kanyeyachukwu is also giving back to society by using this record attempt, titled “Impossibility is a Myth,” to raise funds for the building of The Zeebah Foundation’s state-of-the-art Autism Resource center in Abuja, Nigeria. The Zeebah foundation of which Kanye is a pioneer student is a not-for-profit organization that provides resources for children on the autism spectrum, their parents, and caregivers.
Ends