A Brief On Kelvin Okafor

We've been looking recently into the Nigerian Artist that has been making waves with his pencil sketches that look a whole lot like photographs. Here's a little brief about him;

http://www.kelvinokaforart.com

Background:

Mr. Kelvin Okafor  was born on November 1, 1985 in London to Nigerian parents from Ibusa, Delta State. As a child, he had always been fascinated with creativity. As a result, after his A-Levels at St Ignatius College, he went for a one year course in Foundation Art & Design at City & Guilds – London Art School. He then proceeded to Middlesex University where he bagged a B.A. Honours in Fine Art.

After many years developing his technique as a pencil artist, Kelvin Okafor was catapulted into the spotlight when the BBC and other media picked up his story after he was awarded multiple prizes in 2012-13.

Motivation:

“Progression inspires and motivates me, not just as an artist, but as a human being. Productivity makes me happy, being able to produce and create art for people to engage with. To prompt and arouse emotions, making people feel inspired and encouraged is what gives me great joy and satisfaction, and in turn, inspires me to keep creating,” said Okafor.

He was subsequently asked to join the prestigious Albemarle Gallery in Mayfair, London. His first solo show took place May 2014.

He has recently exhibited his artworks at two prestigious exhibitions in the UK this year. The Mall Galleries for the Threadneedle Prize Exhibition and National Open Art Competition with four exhibitions at: The Minerva Theatre, The Prince’s Foundation, Pallant House and The Science Museum.

About the last award:

Okafor’s painting, Adam, did not only win The Catherine Petitgas Visitors’ Choice Prize, it has been selected to represent the  National Open Art Competition at the Works on Paper/Watercolour Fair at the London Science Museum from January 31 to February 3, 2013.