A Nigerian doctor and artist, Fola David-Tolaram, has turned his passion for art into a groundbreaking achievement by creating the world’s largest drawing by an individual.
Guinness World Records announced the feat on Thursday via its website.
The impressive artwork, measuring 1,004.7 m² (10,814.5 ft²) – roughly the size of 3.8 tennis courts – was created on the pitch at Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos and stands as a tribute to Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity.
David-Tolaram, 31, described his creation as a map of Nigeria, showcasing the various cultures.
He said, “Nigeria is a multi-cultural nation. I wanted to create something that speaks to that and give people an avenue to celebrate their cultures.”
His piece, titled The Unity of Diversity, encapsulates the food, clothing, festivals, and music from across Nigeria, reflecting the beauty of the nation’s distinct traditions.
Before beginning the record-breaking drawing, the artist embarked on a journey across Nigeria, experiencing different cultures firsthand.
“It was this experience that I brought to the stadium to create this drawing,” he said.
The project took six days to complete on a 1,360 m² canvas, with David-Tolaram using waterproof markers. The setup alone required two days just to assemble the canvases.
Initially planning to work from the centre outward in a circular motion, he adapted his technique as he progressed, moving between sections as needed
Reflecting on the daunting challenge, David-Tolaram admitted to initial doubts.
“I remember standing right in the centre of this canvas, about to start this drawing, and feeling a lot of apprehension and fear. For five minutes I stood there making sure I conditioned myself for the beginning of such a challenge,” he said.
But once he started, his confidence grew.
“The moment my marker touched the canvas, there was no going back. All the fear had gone away,” he added.
Over the course of the project, he was buoyed by crowds of spectators who gathered at the 5,000-seat stadium to support him.
According to him, the atmosphere was “electrifying.”
Now holding a Guinness World Record, David-Tolaram expressed his pride in the accomplishment.
Holding a Guinness World Records title is absolutely unbelievable. I grew up reading about world records and never thought that I would be a record title holder.
“I’m still trying to process the emotion of this entire thing, but I feel very honoured, distinguished, and Officially Amazing,” he said.
(PUNCH)