Africa Development Conference 2025

Kelly Omodamwen was born in 1993 and hails from the Oredo Local Government Area of Benin City, Edo State. Kelly began his sculpting journey as a kid in his grandfather’s studio who was a renowned traditional Benin bronze caster. He had his secondary education at Baptish High School in 2010, after which he proceeded to the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, where he obtained his National Diploma in General Art and Industrial Design in 2015. Higher National Diploma with a distinction in Sculpture in 2018. He also received the rector’s award (Certificate of Excellence) for the best graduating student in 2018.

Kelly began producing his sculptures in bronze, and in 2017, he discovered spark plugs as a medium in Sculpture, which gained him an audience after his documentary with BBC PIDGIN in 2020.

His style of art has evolved over the years, moving from the Benin art forms to contemporary forms and welded sculptures, which includes repurposing / up-cycling waste materials into functional and aesthetic arts. After decades of dedicating himself to art practice, gathering and merging experience from both informal and formal practice, Kelly has carved a niche for himself, as seen in his body of works over time through his expression of an anatomical study and usage of materials.

Kelly’s works are culturally influenced and inspired by his environment.