Kareem Waris Olamilekan aka ‘Waspa’ is a young, up-and-coming Nigerian artist that specialized in hyperrealism. Based in Lagos, the 11-year-old started drawing at the age of six and says he is most inspired by Michelangelo and fellow Nigerian portrait artist, Arinze Stanley Egbengwu.
The 11-year-old gained international recognition after drawing a hyperrealistic portrait for French President Emmanuel Macron in just two hours. The President was stunned by the results, sharing his admiration on Twitter.
Olamilekan currently attends the local Ayowole Academy of Art, created by graduate art student Adeniyi Adewole. It will be exciting to watch this young talent develop and grow. To keep up with his latest projects, be sure to follow him on Instagram.
