World’s largest canvas painting in Dubai, to raise AED110 million for charity

In yet another Guinness World Record set in Dubai, a renowned British artist and philanthropist has won the title of 'The Largest Art Canvas' in the world. Measuring over 17,000 square feet, the record-breaking painting titled 'The Journey of Humanity', is part of Dubai-based Sacha Jafri's charitable initiative 'Humanity Inspired' that was launched under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, in partnership with Dubai Cares, part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, and Atlantis, The Palm. Above, contemporary British artist Sacha Jafri stands on his record-breaking painting entitled 'The Journey of Humanity' in Dubai.

The initiative, one of the world’s largest social, artistic and philanthropic projects, aims to raise more than AED110 million to support children and youth around the world affected by the pandemic. The newly-set record adds to the many Guinness World Record titles set in Dubai. Despite the global pandemic and its resulting challenges, creativity and talent have continued to thrive in the city. The record earned by the Dubai-based British artist reflects the emirate’s rising status as a global cultural hub and its ability to provide an ecosystem for art and artists to flourish.

Created inside the ballroom of Atlantis, The Palm, which was converted into an art studio, the giant canvas took 28 weeks to develop starting from March to September 2020. Spending almost 20 hours a day on the art piece, Sacha used 1,065 paintbrushes and a whopping 6,300 litres of paint to complete the extraordinary painting.

The massive creation is ‘the world’s largest painting to have ever been created on canvas’. The monumental painting was later broken down into numbered, signed, catalogued and framed canvases. A total of 70 individually framed pieces of the art piece will be sold in four auctions in 2021. The funds raised will be donated for charitable initiatives in education, digital connectivity, healthcare and sanitation in partnership with Dubai Cares, UNICEF, UNESCO, Global Gift Foundation, as well as the UAE Ministries of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Education.

"Humanity Inspired aims to be a catalyst for true social change through the hearts, minds, and souls of the children of the world. Through this initiative, we seek to connect the world and reconnect ourselves with humanity. My painting, "The Journey of Humanity" will support the delivery of improved education and connectivity. It will also raise funds to support the poorest and most deprived regions to help children and families worldwide."

In addition to Jafri's abstract-style brushstrokes, dubbed "magical realism," the painting will also feature works submitted online by children from around the world.

Commenting on the initiative, Sacha Jafri said: “It was an honour to receive the Guinness World Records™ title for my project ‘The Journey of Humanity’. This is just the beginning of the ‘Humanity Inspired’ journey. ‘Humanity Inspired’ and ‘The Journey of Humanity’ represent much more than just creative work, it is my initiative for true societal change through the hearts, minds and souls of the children of the world – a springboard for a better future for all Humanity.” “If one person can spend 20 hours a day (with only four hours of sleep) for seven months continuously, creating a painting of over 17,000 square feet, imagine what 7.5 billion people could do together if we stopped discrimination, judgement and agenda. One World, One Soul, One Planet’,” the artist added.

Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer at Dubai Cares and Member of its Board of Directors said: “Dubai Cares would like to congratulate Sacha Jafri on this unparalleled accomplishment that will paint a new future for many underprivileged children and youth around the world. ‘The Journey of Humanity’ is a remarkable showcase of the power of collective effort and its tremendous impact in creating positive change. We are proud to be part of this extraordinary initiative that is set to empower its beneficiaries with the basic human opportunity to transform their lives into unique masterpieces of their own.”

Honorary Chair of Global Gift Foundation, actress and philanthropist, Eva Longoria said: “Maria Bravo, Founder of Global Gift Foundation, and I, together with our ‘Global-Gifters,’ and our partners at UNICEF and Dubai Cares, feel honored to be part of ‘We Stand Together United – Humanity Inspired,’ continuing our long-term relationship with Sacha Jafri. Sacha has raised over $60 million for the most noteworthy causes around the world, including our own, and we are thrilled to be collaborating on this important project.”

Sacha Jafri with the Guinness World Record. Founder of Global Gift Foundation, Maria Bravo, said: “For many years now, Sacha has lent his time and incredible talent and energy to helping us raise much needed funds in support of The Global Gift Foundation and consequently a large number of International NGOs across the world. A large plethora of our Global Gifters have also been keen to actively participate in adding to the poignancy and legacy of his works of art.”