Abosede Okeowo, a self-taught portrait artist from Ekiti State Nigeria who was born with multiple disabilities and uses a wheelchair. Abosede was unable to progress beyond Basic 1 in formal schooling because of the challenges that comes with having a disability. This inspired her to develop her talent as a visual artist as it is one of the many things she loves to do.
Strong willed and determined, Okeowo was driven to lay the foundation for a productive life and has kept moving and achieving her dreams. Her works tell lots of stories about living and surviving with multiple disability in a country like Nigeria. Bosede have showcased her works in several festivals including the Abuja International Arts Ability Festival presented by Potters Gallery Initiative
She has had the opportunity to work with some dignitaries in the society such as: Vice President of Nigeria and his Wife Yemi and Dolapo Osinbajo, His Imperial Majesty Ooni of Ife, Miss Adepeju Oke founder of Hope4sure foundation, Anthony Joshua, Davido and Chioma, Dj Cuppy, Taraji P Henson, Dr Yinka Ayefele, CEO, Oracle Experience Agency, Dr. Felix Eiremiokhae; Mr. Adepeju Olukokun (Kokun Foundation ) and others. Abosede believes she is created for a purpose and she will not allow challenges posed by barriers in the society get the best of her.
She has benefitted from Potters Gallery creative boot camp and she is one of the Ambassadors of the organization, she encourages persons with disabilities to "Never stop believing in God, keep pressing forward. You are not there yet but you will soon be. Always remember; perseverance and consistency will take you far."
Pen Pals
Abosede Okeowo is among the fantastic cohort of international artists selected for our British Council-supported 'Pen Pals' project. Experience her paintings produced over the course of the experience below, or click here to read her full cohort's reflections on it.
A selection of Abosede Okeowo's work produced during 'Pen Pals', for which she was teamed up with Helen Hall and Winda Karunadhita: