Nigerian artist aims at world record for largest individual drawing

David, also a medical doctor, said his 1,050 square metre 'Unity in Diversity' artwork showing two giant hands holding Nigeria's map is meant to showcase the country's cultural heritage

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A drone view of Fola David, a Nigerian medical doctor and artist who is creating a piece covering over 1,000 square metres, hoping the Guinness World Record will soon certify his work as the world's largest painting by an individual, at Onikan stadium in Lagos on July 18, 2024. — Reuters

By Reuters

Published: Mon 22 Jul 2024, 3:24 PM

Last updated: Mon 22 Jul 2024, 3:25 PM

Nigerian artist Fola David is seeking the Guinness record for the largest drawing by an individual after spending six days on his piece in a stadium in the commercial capital Lagos.

David, also a medical doctor, said his 1,050 square metres 'Unity in Diversity' artwork showing two giant hands holding Nigeria's map was meant to showcase the country's cultural heritage.

A drone view of the piece covering over 1,000 square metres created by Fola David at Onikan stadium in Lagos, Nigeria, on July 21, 2024. — Reuters
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Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, is made up of about 250 ethnic groups, split roughly equally between Muslims and Christians, with ethnic frictions common.

"Our diversity should be seen as something that unites us, as something that strengthens us, rather than something that should create that divide between us," David said after completing his work on Sunday night.

Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, shakes hands with Fola David at Onikan stadium in Lagos on July 21, 2024. — Reuters

The Guinness World Record body has been informed and will need to certify his work if he is to surpass the record set in 2021 by Indian artist Ravi Soni who drew a 629.98 square metres piece.

Reuters

Published: Mon 22 Jul 2024, 3:24 PM

Last updated: Mon 22 Jul 2024, 3:25 PM

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