Lagos-based contemporary artist Damilola Moses Opedun says years spent mentoring children in Makoko have transformed not only his artistic practice but also his understanding of art as a vehicle for hope, empowerment and social change. Opedun, a Lagos-based contemporary artist, has built his practice around themes of spirituality, identity, memory, displacement and resilience. Born in Akure, Ondo State, in 1983, Opedun’s artistic journey has been shaped by more than a decade of engagement with Makoko, one of Lagos’ most vulnerable communities. Through his NGO, The Seed of The True Vine Foundation, he works with children in underserved communities, using art as a tool for education, empowerment and social transformation. His paintings often combine contemporary Black figures with historical and spiritual imagery, reflecting the intersection of struggle and hope. In this interview with KENNETH ATHEKAME, Opedun discusses how Makoko became the defining influence on his work, why he believes “imagination is
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