In the vibrant cultural landscape of Nigeria, creativity blooms in every corner. From the colorful patterns of Adire textiles to the rhythmic beats of Afrobeats, the country’s artistry community is a beacon of talent and innovation. However, for many Nigerian artists, the path to realizing their full creative potential has been obstructed by an unexpected and often overlooked obstacle: poor vision.
For years, the lack of access to proper eye care has been a silent barrier for countless artisans whose livelihoods depend on their ability to see clearly and create. Many artists, especially those who rely on intricate details in their work, have found themselves hindered by deteriorating eyesight, often exacerbated by age or lack of resources to afford corrective eyewear. This challenge has not only affected their artistic output but also threatened their ability to earn a living.
Enter VisionSpring, a social enterprise dedicated to providing affordable eyewear and eye care services to underserved communities. Since 2016, VisionSpring has been working tirelessly to address the issue of poor vision in Nigeria, recognizing its profound impact on individuals’ lives and livelihoods. Their mission goes beyond just distributing eyeglasses; they aim to unlock a world of creativity and possibility for Nigeria’s artistry community by restoring clear vision to those who need it most.
The transformative power of VisionSpring’s work was showcased in a remarkable event held last week at Nike Art Gallery in Lagos. The exhibition, titled “Artistry, Creativity, and Innovation for a Thriving Nigeria,” celebrated the intersection of art and vision, bringing together some of the country’s most talented artists to showcase their work. The event was not just an artistic showcase but a powerful narrative on the impact of VisionSpring’s initiatives in Nigeria.
The exhibition featured the works of 30 artists, each focusing on the theme of vision, underscoring how integral clear sight is to the artistic process. One of the artists, Yusuf Adurodola, who also served as a curator for the exhibition, created a piece titled Vision on Mission, which emphasized the need for artists to pursue their creative visions with clarity and purpose. “You cannot do without clear vision because you use the eyes to engage in a creative projection,” Adurodola explained, highlighting how critical sight is for artists who rely on their eyes to bring their ideas to life.
This sentiment was echoed by VisionSpring’s country manager for Nigeria, Abimbola Ogundirahun, who emphasized the significance of the initiative. “For you to be able to perform art, for you to be able to draw, you need your eyes,” Ogundirahun stated. She explained that VisionSpring’s mission is not just about providing glasses but about creating awareness and advocacy for the importance of eye care, especially among artists and artisans whose work depends on their vision. “This is why we are creating awareness and advocacy today – so that we can have everybody work and partner with us to give people that need vision correction the correction they need.”
Through its See-to-Earn program, VisionSpring has made significant strides in supporting individuals in underserved communities, including artists, artisans, and farmers, who rely on their sight to earn a living. The program has already impacted the lives of more than 350,000 Nigerians, many of whom are now able to continue their work with renewed clarity and confidence. This initiative has been particularly transformative within the art community, where clear vision is essential for the meticulous work that artists engage in.
The partnership with Nike Art Gallery has been particularly poignant. Nike Okundaye, the gallery’s director, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, noting that many artists in her network are struggling with age-related vision loss. This condition has not only affected their ability to create but has also threatened their livelihoods. “When I met VisionSpring, I said you are our God-sent because a lot of our artists have lost their eyes,” Okundaye shared, expressing her gratitude for the initiative. The collaboration between VisionSpring and Nike Art Gallery is a testament to the power of partnerships in addressing pressing social issues and making a tangible impact on people’s lives.
The exhibition itself was a vivid illustration of the difference that clear vision can make. As visitors wandered through the gallery, they were greeted by a stunning array of artworks that highlighted the theme of vision in various forms. The pieces were a celebration of the artists’ regained clarity and a tribute to the essential role that sight plays in the creative process. Among the featured artists was Francis Jide, who captivated the audience with a live drawing demonstration, showcasing his remarkable talent and the renewed confidence that VisionSpring’s intervention had provided him.
Gabriel Ogunyemi, VisionSpring’s Africa regional director, reflected on the broader implications of the initiative. He stated that the partnership with Nike Art Gallery is part of a larger effort to address the issue of blurry vision in Nigeria. By providing access to eye care and eyewear, VisionSpring is enabling artists to see their work with clarity and precision, thereby fostering a more vibrant and innovative art scene. “In six years’ time, we have corrected the vision of more than 350,000 Nigerians through eyeglasses. We are especially committed to Nigeria’s artisans and low-income workers who use their hands for detailed tasks,” Ogunyemi explained.
Looking ahead, VisionSpring is committed to deepening its impact in Nigeria and beyond. By raising awareness and forging partnerships with local organizations, the enterprise aims to ensure that every artist, artisan, and worker who depends on their vision for their craft has access to the care they need. VisionSpring’s work is a powerful reminder of how something as simple as a pair of glasses can have a profound impact on people’s lives, unlocking their potential and empowering them to create without limits.
As the event drew to a close, the sense of optimism and possibility was palpable. The artists, who had once struggled with the challenge of poor vision, now stood proud, their works shining brightly in the gallery’s light. They were living proof of VisionSpring’s mission: to empower individuals through clear vision, fostering creativity and innovation in communities across Nigeria.