Damilola Moses Opedun, a Lagos-based contemporary artist, shares how his years of mentoring children in Makoko, Lagos' vulnerable slum, transformed his artistic practice.

Through his NGO, The Seed of The True Vine Foundation, he uses art to empower underserved communities, blending contemporary Black figures with historical and spiritual imagery.His work highlights themes of hope, resilience, and social change, emphasizing art's role in education and empowerment.

Opedun's paintings juxtapose Makoko's stilt houses with Venice's Santa Maria della Salute, symbolizing that environment doesn't dictate destiny.

He advocates for Nigeria to unlock its creative economy by supporting talent from low-income communities, ensuring children like those in Makoko have opportunities to thrive.His legacy lies in proving that great art can emerge from overlooked places, inspiring future generations to create and give back.