Page 47 - Future Leaders 2018-2019

8 7 The Top 10

SOLOMON ADEBIYI, 21 VARAIDZO KATIVHU, 21

School: University of Manchester School: University of Oxford
Course: Architecture (BA) Course: Classical Archaeology & Ancient History (BA)
Year: Graduated Year: First
Grade: First class Grade average: 2:1
Solomon has an intense passion for art, and channels it Varaidzo is truly an ambassador for young people from
into his own company Brothers in Arms, which he founded African and African Caribbean backgrounds when it comes to
himself. Here, he specialises in photo-realism portraiture social mobility. She uses her platform as a YouTube, Twitter
and is paid to produce pieces for high-profile clients. and Instagram personality, where she is known as ‘Miss Varz’,
His work has been commissioned by people such as Michael to talk directly to her combined audience of over 14,000
Eboda (CEO, Powerful Media) and Tinie Tempah’s manager about being a black student at Oxford and share her past and
Dumi Oburota (Founding Director of Disturbing London). present challenges to inspire others.
The aim of Brothers in Arms is to create a network of She uses these platforms to discuss issues surrounding
creatives. What makes what he does quite amazing is that education, finances, andresilence, among other things, and is
his talent is self-taught and came about when, at the age of extremely candid about her less-than-conventional journey
15, he dedicated his entire summer to mastering the craft to Oxford and her day-to-day experiences at the university.
and diligently practising and learning until he was expert. She is an ambassador for the Social Mobility Foundation,
He was inspired after he saw an exhibition by pencil and and champions widening access to higher education.
charcoal portrait artist Kelvin Okafor and was determined to Her work has caught the attention of several high-profile
go away and teach himself those same skills. leaders such as MP David Lammy and Director of Harvard
Around the same time, Tate Gallery chiefs paid a visit to University, Paul Reville, who have both been quite vocal
his school and Solomon was able to get some work as a about their admiration and support of her.
volunteer. He soon worked his way on to the payroll of a Varaidzo also uses her social media influence to promote
committee, comprised of young people who plan events to specialist events, where young people can come along for
encourage more young people to participate in art. Soon, he workshops and meet her for face-to-face advice.
was heading up a series of Young Curator initiatives. One As we were going to press, her first event, which has been
successful event, the Hyperlink festival, attracted thousands promoted as a ‘meet and greet’, was set to take place at
of visitors and starred the likes of Akala and Tinie Tempah. Lady Margaret Hall at the University of Oxford. Places at the
“We were proud because we got a letter from the Tate saying event sold out in less than 24 hours, and the day will consist
we increased engagement by thousands,” he says. of Varaidzo giving advice on A-levels, UCAS and careers.
In Manchester, Solomon volunteers on the youth council Her popularity with young people was further demonstrated
team of the Manchester International Festival (MIF), working when she appeared on the University of Oxford’s Facebook
to help curate the 2019 MIF. page to answer questions from those interested in attending
The recipient of an Amos Bursary, Solomon says he has the university. 35,000 people tuned in to the video session.
been inspired to enter architecture by the works of Sir Varaidzo is good friends with fellow Oxford student and
David Adjaye. Meanwhile, he has established a website and education ambassador Malala Yousafzai, who has featured
Instagram feed, solomontheartist, to showcase his works. In in her videos. She is fast taking her brand from YouTube to
2016 he staged an exhibition of paintings and drawings called mainstream media, and has been interviewed and profiled by
Empowered, featuring powerful black leaders, at London’s a slew of outlets including BBC News, ITV News, GQ and the
Bernie Grant Art Centre. He has also set up a scheme called Economist, to name just a few.
Project Ignite, to go into schools to teach children how to
draw. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Travelling around the world doing what I can to help
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? communities and collaborating with companies to make
I want to set up my own art foundation to help other kids, a difference. That is the dream.
and eventually to have my own architecture firm.

10 ANNIVERSARY EDITION FUTURE LEADERS 45
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