Inside the Big Issue: Opake's outsider takeover

As a kid, celebrated artist Opake dreamed one day he’d be in Big Issue. Overcoming years of addiction and rough sleeping, here he is, showcasing some of Britain’s most exciting creators.

“Once upon a time there was a Nigerian scammer and a crackhead… they met and created a monster,” he writes in this week’s special edition.

“But before that moment, way before that moment, was me, aged six, trying to figure out life making an ashtray out of clay in my art class at school. Under my chicken-shaped cigarette extinguisher lay a copy of Big Issue. Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers had been released with a full interview, taking about how fucking patient you really have to be to make real art.

“I ‘read’ the article, looked at the cover, skimmed the bit about music and thought, one day I’m going to be in this magazine, something I never really believed would be a reality.

“In fairness I was sure I would be dead by 25 (I’m 36 now) so all of this, for me, is a dream and a blessing. When I was asked to put this together… I shit myself at the thought of it. But what does Big Issue represent? Well to me they stand for the underdog, the downtrodden and forgotten, and they do a fucking good job of helping the people who need it the most. I can say that because that was me.”

Contributors include the Nigerian designer and artist Olaolu Slawn, who has collaborated with Opake to create an exclusive collector’s print, free with the magazine, which brings together their distinct signature styles for the first time.

Paul McNamee, Big Issue’s UK editor, said: “A thousand thanks to Opake for his incredible takeover this week.

“His remarkable spirit, his celebration of the outsider, and the positive impact Big Issue made on him, mean that the has delivered something completely unique. It bounces off the page.”

What is in this week’s Big Issue?

Slawn: ‘I think everyone should make mistakes all the time’

Lagos-born Slawn has caused a ruckus in the art world and beyond. He’s designed an F1 car, trainers for Nike, watches for Rolex and redesigned the Wembley tunnel. Every new piece of work sells out instantly. He’s collaborated with Opake for this week’s extra special cover.

FATSO: ‘Anyone can be an artist, but they have to want to be’

FATSO’s name has been spotted on walls all over the country. But is it art? He’s not sure, but he’s having a great time putting his stamp on our culture

“Graffiti looks best outside illegally. When you put time and effort into making this thing, whether it’s a tag or a piece, that’s where it looks best. I think it’s hard to create that energy inside, because there’s no risk, which adds flavour.”

Charlotte Rose : ‘Warhol said in the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes. We’re living in that future now’

Self-taught artist Charlotte Rose used social media to bypass the art world’s gatekeepers. She’s still breaking rules.

“Becoming an influencer through the artist medium is interesting to play with. It’s promoting my art. “But it’s also telling a story. And it’s the story of this character, Charlotte Rose.”

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