WHEN I GROW UP

Press Release

When I Grow Up

Destiny Oyibode was born on September 13, 1994, in Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria. From a tender age, he demonstrated a keen observation of his surroundings, replicating objects and scenes through drawing without formal guidance.

As his passion grew, Oyibode pursued formal art education at Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State, earning his National Diploma. During his internship, he mastered perspective drawing and developed a unique stroke pattern. However, his program was cut short due to illness, leading to a year-long hospitalization.

Despite struggling with loss of sensation and memory, art remained Oyibode’s solace. While bedridden, drawing was his sole source of comfort and motivation. Upon recovery and discharge, he re-enrolled at Auchi Polytechnic, completing his Higher National Diploma in Painting in 2018.

Following graduation, Oyibode served his country as a visual arts teacher at a secondary school. Currently, he works as a full-time, studio-based painter.