By Stanley Iwuoha
A 14-year-old Nigerian autistic artist, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo Okeke, has broken the Guinness World Record for the Largest Painting, creating a massive artwork measuring 12,303 square meters titled “Impossible is a Myth.”
This incredible achievement showcases Kanyeyachukwu’s talent, determination, and creativity, inspiring millions around the world.
Speaking on the milestone, the President, Society of Nigerian Artists, SNA, Muhammad Sulaiman, said Kanyeyachukwu’s journey began as a young child discovering color as a language of expression.
“His 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’re were able to draw a time table 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 insisting 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 the 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 that, 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.”
The record-breaking painting, titled “Impossible is a Myth,” measures 12,303 square meters, making it the largest painting in the world. It was created using acrylic paint on a massive canvas, with Kanyeyachukwu working tirelessly for over 12 weeks to complete the project.
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.”
