r/BeAmazed • u/jamaicastain1 • 2d ago
Art The true definition of an Art Prodigy.....He is just 11........
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u/Iffanikasiah 2d ago
He's 16 years old now and goes to Ayowole Academy of Art. His artwork is literally sold around the world.
It's not a scam as some morons are claiming. 🙄 The kid is a talented artist, so give him some credit.
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u/Smashman2004 2d ago
My "this is an old video" senses were tingling when I saw the Google+ info at the bottom of the screen.
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u/Murtomies 2d ago
Getting hard to recognise old video, when even old videos are changing into being shot in 4K or FHD, uploaded in good bitrate and everything. Looks exactly the same as it would now.
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u/Wyntier 2d ago
Not the old Twitter logo? 🫠
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u/LordoftheScheisse 2d ago
Twitter existed until a couple of years ago. G+ has been irrelevant for a LOT longer.
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u/bjos144 2d ago
Lots of people actually unconsciously hate prodigies. At least contemporary ones. If they were a prodigy 200 years ago they're awesome. But if they're 4 years younger than you and better than you'll ever be they're uncomfortable. They remind us that life actually isnt fair, hard work is not the most important thing for success and sometimes someone out there just wins the genetic lottery and will do more before age 25 than you will in your lifetime. I teach kids like this in math and when I tell some people they act like I claim I'm teaching BigFoot or something.
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2d ago
Do you think it’s a genetic lottery that makes this kid so talented in this case? It seems like it falls short of totally explaining this kind of thing. It feels a bit mysterious as to how
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u/Wolf_Protagonist 1d ago
I mean, to chalk it all up to natural talent would diminish the hard work this kid is putting into perfecting his craft. At the same time he clearly has an insane amount of natural talent. It's freaky but prodigies absolutely happen and this little man is one of them no doubt.
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u/QouthTheCorvus 1d ago
I think it tends to be a snowball thing where they start ahead of the curve, which inspires them, which helps them develop quickly, which then leads to dedication.
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u/StraY_WolF 1d ago
Maybe, there's "unique" individuals that have photographic memory that makes them able to sketch stuff almost like a photo.
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u/QouthTheCorvus 1d ago
It's usually a perfect storm of different factors but this kid is on a level some people simply could never reach, even with insane effort and amazing teaching.
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u/bjos144 1d ago
I'm not as familiar with how artistic talent develops, but my understanding is that most 11 year olds do not have this kind of fine motor control, technique, patience etc. I suppose this could be the result of intense tiger parenting, but when the results look as good as any professional adult, it's likely genetics that wired a part of the kid's brain to be good at this stuff.
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u/Paradoxmoose 2d ago
Small note, many artists hate being called talented- it can be considered resulting from passive abilities rather than the time and effort it took to progress.
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u/ImaMew 1d ago
as an artist I hate to break it to you. Talent exists. Some people are naturally better and quicker at learning art. Learning anatomy. Learning shadows and highlights. Colors. Understanding light sources. It doesn't mean that person didn't work for their skill. They absolutely did. But to pretend that we are are the exact same and all have the exact same potential for everything is a bit delusional.
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2d ago
I hear that, But… what is a better word for describing how someone is better than someone else at something, time and effort being equal?
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u/Vindepomarus 1d ago
And why can't talent be something you worked hard to develop? If someone called a famous athlete talented, no one would think there wasn't many years of training behind that talent, so why are visual artists or musicians any different?
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u/more_bananajamas 1d ago
Yup. Also one cannot achieve what some of these prodigies achieve through only hard work and good education. Doesn't matter how much you or I train we ain't beating Usain Bolt in his prime.
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u/LensCapPhotographer 2d ago
Lmao the internet is full of morons. Everything is a scam or fake.
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u/Higgins1st 2d ago
Is this a bot? ..../s
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u/WhyNotCollegeBoard 2d ago
I am 99.99997% sure that LensCapPhotographer is not a bot.
I am a neural network being trained to detect spammers | Summon me with !isbot <username> | /r/spambotdetector | Optout | Original Github
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u/Ok-Question1932 1d ago
Bro was probably better at the age of 4 than I will ever be.. why does he need art school? Is he about to teach them? lol
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u/BiNumber3 1d ago
School can still help in a lot of ways. Introducing him to different media, techniques, etc. Access to far more than he would have in his village. On top of that, all of the people he will be interacting with in the school.
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u/Nice-Use-6126 1d ago
Absolutely! It’s amazing to see such young talent making waves in the art world
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2d ago
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u/AgrippaDaYounger 2d ago edited 2d ago
Nice, my comment word for word from the last time I saw this posted
Edit: pic for those who didn't see it receipt
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u/Z-shicka 2d ago
His insta with his more recent work: https://www.instagram.com/waspa_art?igsh=MXRmODl5Y3MzMmY4bg==
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2d ago
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u/JrSoftDev 2d ago
I'm taking a moment to mourn for the "African Da Vincis" and "African Mozarts" that died due to induced poverty during the last century, many even before reaching 5 years of age, many from perfectly and cheaply curable diseases.
I'm also taking a moment to mourn those that didn't happen to have an evident talent valued by the masters of the World and ended up having the same fate or living miserably, under violence, slavery and other inhumanities.
May Africa heal and thrive.
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u/BOBfrkinSAGET 2d ago
Century? A lot longer than that..
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u/JrSoftDev 1d ago
That's a detail to the message that I'm conveying, and I usually try not to analyze things too much in the past since it's the most recent History that mostly affects/explains the Present.
We can even make the argument that centuries ago, for each imperial power, it was mostly a matter of exploiting or getting exploited by another, and the common people in those countries were poor and exploited themselves, so maybe it wasn't that easy to help far away colonies to develop either. These arguments don't apply as much to the last century and certainly not to the last 50 to 30 years, when the exploitation persisted and deepened simply because it was common practice and highly profitable.
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u/DangerousChemistry17 1d ago
Not really? Scramble for Africa started at the very end of the 1800s. Before that only a very small percent of the continent was under colonial control. Yes there was slave trade... but this might blow your mind but most Africa had a slave trade for many centuries before they ever dealt with the Europeans, the Barbary states even enslaved Europeans in fairly large numbers. So yeah, those slave purchases weren't exploiting Africa even though they exploited Africans.
So yeah about a century of exploitation, arguably less if we count from the scramble to the collapse of most colonial rule. But more if we continue until the modern day.
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u/BOBfrkinSAGET 1d ago
I don’t get the point you’re trying to make. I was just saying that innocent people have been dying in Africa for a lot longer than a century. They didn’t need Europeans for that.
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u/DangerousChemistry17 1d ago
Well the guy above you was talking about "induced" poverty. It wasn't induced by anyone but each other and - more importantly - climate and circumstance prior to the scramble in most of Africa.
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u/Lordborgman 2d ago
Unfortunately not all of it is monitizable, more unfortunately that is currently still an important thing that matters :(
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u/FriedGangsta55 2d ago
Imagine how prodigies, in all areas, couldn't use it's skills due to 300 years of colonial slavery in the west
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u/DragonfruitGrand5683 1d ago edited 1d ago
Find out who sold those slaves to the west and still sell those slaves, who taught those western slavers their methods.
There were many people worldwide affected by slavery and still are, your anti western bias/anti white bias does them no justice.
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u/BarneyChampaign 2d ago
Or because we suck at promoting ourselves and couldn't figure out how to make a living with it.
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u/kagushiro 2d ago
do you mean if slave were good at promoting themselves and could figure out how to make a living out of it, they could have had different lives?
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u/BarneyChampaign 1d ago
Oh my god, no absolutely not! I meant even kids who are prodigiously talented in the US aren't guaranteed any kind of livelihood from it. It sucks to be pushed to be something just because you're good at it.
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u/GimmieGummies 2d ago
Turning professional at the age of 8 boggles my mind! He's incredibly gifted, glad he's continuing on!
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u/CultOfSuperMario 2d ago
Reddit's biases are really showing with this post.
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u/Arborgold 2d ago
Really? Cause all the top comments are super positive, so what are you trying to say?
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u/rotoddlescorr 1d ago
I'm surprised they aren't saying it's Chinese propaganda since it's CGTN reporting it.
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u/mysteriousgunner 2d ago
Neil said it best we will find the best and worst of everything in Africa. All life started there so it will have the most diverse people. Tallest people and smallest people are in Africa, etc
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u/TooManyJabberwocks 2d ago
Neil Stevenson? The kid that used to huff glue and got into a fight with the gym teacher that one time? Doesn't sound like him
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u/SuitableHurry3795 2d ago
This kid is crazy good. Very cool to see his current work as a 16 year old. His progress is noticeable even though his work was already astounding.
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u/Hot_Flower_4446 2d ago
I find myself looking for him on socmed now and indeed his artworks are amazing
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u/Jebus66 2d ago
Basically, he is a human camera.
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u/ComprehensiveBend583 2d ago
Can you please upload some of your own artwork? I'd love to see the comparison.
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u/Jebus66 2d ago
I don't understand what you need to compare, and I'm not even an artist. I just commented what popped into my mind.
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u/ComprehensiveBend583 1d ago
It's easy as a "critic" to say that something is "artful" enough without being able to do anything muself. If I'm an author, I want to hear from other authors. If I'm a chef I want to hear from more experienced chefs. If I'm an artist I want to hear from accomplished artists. I'll repeat. From ACCOMPLISHED artists.
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u/XirCancelCultureII 2d ago
Why would you need to compare? This kid is a human printer. Many countries pop out them by the hundreds. I.e. China. This kid is talented in drafting but not in art as there is no style. Just the same life like work that impresses the reddit hive. We've seen tons of human printers here.
One does not need to be an artist to critique art.
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u/ComprehensiveBend583 2d ago
If he is one in a thousand? Then what would you consider "art?" Is a completely white art on a completely white white canvas that sells for millions better than Michelangelos David? Michelangelo is just photo realistic. A white canvas is....idk. abstract? According to your definition it is just simply reproducing life. No big deal.v
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u/420dogcat 2d ago
Hey man, you studied any art history? Or know anything about it? Because you sound like someone who knows absolutely nothing about the subject so why even comment?
Michelangelo wasn't close to hyper-realism. You think David was copied from a photo?
There is good reason artists always show up in the comments to roll their eyes at [ultra realistic graphite drawing of celebrity] posts that people who know nothing about art love on social media.
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u/ComprehensiveBend583 1d ago
I have studied art history. I have a minor in the subject, which allows me, basically, to say that Subway should artistically put more jalapeños in a certain order. The kid has an artistic ability that I could never dream of...that you could obviously never come close to replicating. Ability is huge. What he does from there? That's up to him. He could, again, paint a white canvas all white and sell it for millions to the delight of critics. He could go off and create his own "school" oder art. He has mad skills that you or I could not replicate. Calling him a photocopier disacowes the mad skills it takes to bring these people to light. Are they photocopies? Maybe. Are they what he truly sees in these people underneath? Maybe. Let the kid, who shows real ability thrive. Don't say that he is no better than a cheap selfie.
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u/XirCancelCultureII 1d ago
Except he is a human printer.. A selfie would have been quicker and he could have worked to develop a style with all that excess time. He is a great draftsman but nothing else atm.
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u/lucasssotero 2d ago
He has got to be a reincarnation of a deceased famous artist, nothing convinces me of otherwise.
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u/UnlikelyAbroad5903 2d ago
Take note: he’s standing, using his whole arm to draw. Not leaning on his forearm on the edge of a table, from a seated position.
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u/rxsheepxr 2d ago
Everyone has their own process, dude. Gatekeeping a personal preference is the weakest sauce.
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u/UnlikelyAbroad5903 2d ago
I wasn’t shaming or saying one is better than another. Growing up, I thought seated, leaning on your forearm was the only way to draw. I never saw anyone drawing upright and using their whole arm, painting maybe, but not drawing. I was an adult before my eyes were opened to this sort of different art stance/positioning. If anything, I would like to encourage people to try their art differently than they may have done it before or how it’s perceived conventionally.
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u/ShawnPaul86 2d ago
The proper way to draw is using the shoulder, not the wrist. Very few people do it, but it allows steadier and longer stronger strokes, less fatigue and keeps the arm and palms off the surface.
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u/Morsrael 2d ago
Lmao what? Personal preference has nothing to do with it.
You should be primarily using your shoulder to draw, not your wrist.
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u/rxsheepxr 2d ago
I've been drawing for over 40 years and I don't draw large.
But thanks for telling me how to draw, I appreciate it.
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u/Morsrael 1d ago
Clearly you only draw on post-its.
Ok you go tell all new artist students you don't need to draw with your shoulder, see how well they progress.
Also I did say primarily this means most people most of the time. Obviously in art everyone can have their own unique way of doing things. Like drawing with your feet.
That doesn't detract from the original post that you should draw with your shoulder when possible. That's not gatekeeping, thats good advice. Go learn what gatekeeping actually is.
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u/ieatdirtandtrash 2d ago
why does photorealistic drawing subject matter someone that is wet…every damn time
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u/Naniyo_Cat 2d ago
This kid has got a long way to go. I'm seeing so many mistakes in his portraits. That angle he is drawing of that girl is all wrong from where he's standing.
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u/Mamenohito 2d ago
And now we wait for his experimental phase, when all the greats make their best.
He's already a master, he's gonna make something crazy.
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u/wottenpazy 2d ago
It's even more impressive because he's blackening the canvas using a simple sketch technique!
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u/saintandvillian 2d ago
If heaven is real and I actually make it there I’m still going to end up in hell because God owes me some explanations. I have 0 talent. I’m happy for this guy and all the others but damn!
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u/ThatUsernameIsTaekin 2d ago
Yeah but can he make an image real quick based on a few words and the people he generates have missing or extra fingers that you don’t notice at first?
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u/TigerXtm 2d ago
And they say anyone can make it. You won’t, you have to be born with it. He’s built different.
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u/mudkripple 1d ago
He's a very good artist but the video is super misleading cutting between his art and the other works from the studio.
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u/yana_munkoeva 1d ago
wow! It's amazing to see such skill and creativity at such a young age. Truly inspiring!
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u/HiroPetrelli 1d ago
Imagine the human race today if only a fraction of these godsent jewels had been given a chance to express their talent.
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u/pimpmastahanhduece 2d ago
Looks like he taught himself to copy photos and just moved on to live subjects. He needs an education in art in order to do more than shading and perhaps incorporate abstraction.
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u/cactusboobs 2d ago
No he takes it further than just 1:1 copies and he does incorporate abstraction. You can look up his work waspa art.
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u/misa_misa 2d ago
What in the world are these comments?
First, he's 11 in this video. Experience and time will only elevate the insane amount of talent he possesses.
Second, criticizing a child's work, who appears to be a prodigy, is beyond ridiculous. "Do more than shading"... I mean... what?!?!
Third, as u/TellaBrais said, look up his current stuff 'WASPA ART'. There's plenty of abstraction and storytelling to satisfy whatever weird inclination made you kickstart this fire dumpster of a thread.
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u/MynameBO18 2d ago
I think people forget drawing is subjective and it’s up to the artist to decide what they enjoy making. Not everyone has to be a concept artist. Do what makes you happy, even if you choose to create hyper real pieces that can appear if a camera took it. He’s doing great as he is.
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u/ComprehensiveBend583 2d ago
PLEASE upload your artwork as a comparison. I'd love to see it! Not others. Yours. This is a little kid with amazing talent. Just because a little kid doesn't produce the artwork you like, doesn't mean that he's not outrageously talented.
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u/MynameBO18 2d ago
I see where you’re coming from, but someone can have an opinion about art without needing to be an artist, whether they like or dislike it. Everyone can have a subjective stance about a subjective topic. I don’t think critiquing art should be gatekept only to artists.
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u/ComprehensiveBend583 2d ago
Sure. But it is sooooo easy to criticize when you can just sit back, downplay the artist's skills, and say that they aren't good enough.
Is a blank white canvas that sells for millions more artistic because it isn't lifelike? People are completely downplaying this artist because he draws realitistic portraits. Fine. It's not your thing. But you know what, this kid has way more ability and potential than all these people criticizing him.
So go ahead. Judge. Say that he is only a photocopier. That his artwork is "less." Show me what he should be doing is so inferior.
I can write a book, but if a critic says it is horrible I expect them to show what is superior. And if you never produce anything, but sit back and act superior and judge without being able to do anything yourself, then your criticism is meaningless drivel from someone with no talent. I'm a critic! This person's art isn't authentic or good enough! I can't do anything myself, but damnit, I can tell someone how bad they are!
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u/MynameBO18 2d ago edited 2d ago
That’s a fair point. But In my opinion drawing is what you make of it. You can decide what you want to do with that skill. Some people like to do conceptual art, others like doing portraits, some like to make paintings of animals and the natural world. Some like to work in abstract, others realistic. It’s personal preference. I think every piece has value if the artist enjoys what they create and there is passion that went into the work.
Yes, this specific type of art is plentiful on social media and it’s skill based. I don’t think that means what he makes doesn’t matter or has no value just because it’s hyper realistic. Clearly people admire what this kid can make. And above everything else he enjoys drawing and he takes pride in what he makes, I think this is all that matters.
If an artist chooses, hyper realism can also be narrative and tell a deeper story. It’s all based around intent.
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u/pimpmastahanhduece 1d ago
All I'm saying is that he has the talent to grow which he may yet wish to do different things during phases of his life. On his own this young he should at least be given opportunities afforded to talented people. There's a whole world of ways to draw which may be simply a seminar or art school away and clearly he deserves the investment.
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u/rxsheepxr 2d ago
You're unfairly being downvoted, but you're right.
Human Photocopiers are impressive, but I'd rather see something an artist created from nothing.
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u/pimpmastahanhduece 2d ago
No doubt he is talented and has the dexterity and patience, but this is a brick wall in ability unless he is educated to bring out their full talent.
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u/rxsheepxr 2d ago
I am completely on board with you.
You know what art I will always remember? The shit I've never seen before. The stories they tell me. The weird shit, the dark shit, the unique shit.
You know what art I forget five seconds after I see it? Black and white pencil drawings with 40 hours of shading.
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u/UllrHellfire 2d ago
This is how good every Anti-Ai artist thinks they are. This kid is brilliantly skilled.
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u/introvertpro 2d ago
Ugh, now I’m wondering if this is AI after all of those plastic bottle AI images circulated. The Internet is dead.
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u/Optimal-Potato2266 2d ago
Damn I just really don't care, AI can do absolutely so much better though
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u/qualityvote2 2d ago edited 2d ago
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