ABU DHABI: Indian speed painter Vilas Nayak enthralled a crowd of over 2,000 in the capital by painting the portraits of two iconic leaders in less than 10 minutes. The portraits, each canvas measuring four by five feet, were of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father, and Mahatma Gandhi.
The feat was achieved at the ‘International Day for Tolerance’ celebrations held by the Ministry of Tolerance, the Embassy of India and Indian Business & Professional Group - Abu Dhabi, at Umm Al Emarat Park on November 16.
The event was graced by Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minster of Tolerance and Navdeep Suri, Ambassador of India, and other dignitaries.
“It was my first attempt to create a portrait of the late Shaikh Zayed and also to paint two great world leaders together. I painted Mahatma Gandhi upside down – which was later set right – so I had to be very precise and careful. I am glad it was well received. Shaikh Nahyan and Navdeep Suri loved the result and congratulated me,” he said.
Nayak, a self-taught artist, has won world acclaim in speed painting as a participant in Asia’s Got Talent on AXN and Got Talent World Stage Live. He has performed in over 23 countries.
For more information of the artist, visit www.vilasnayak.com
