Celebrated artist Sacha Jafri is attempting to create the largest painting ever created on canvas, using AkzoNobel‘s Dulux products. The project Humanity Inspired aims to raise $30 million for charitable causes within health and education and connect a billion people around the world. The final painting is expected to be 160 metres long (larger than two soccer fields laid end-to-end).
Jafri has been in lockdown in Dubai since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, where his ambitious artwork, entitled The Journey of Humanity, is being created.
To complete the painting, Jafri invited children around the world to send in drawings themed around isolation and connection, which he will paste into circular portals inside his mammoth painting. They will act as windows intended to lead the world to a better tomorrow, as seen through the eyes of children.
“My initiative, Humanity Inspired, aims to be a catalyst 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. I aim to connect the world and re-connect humanity to ourselves, each other and ultimately the soul of the Earth. I’m delighted to have the support of Dulux and AkzoNobel in this record-breaking project, which has been called the ‘largest artistic, social and philanthropic initiative in history,’” said Jafri.
“We’ve always believed that paint has the power to transform people’s lives and this is a fantastic way for us to support an amazing initiative through our global Let’s Colour program,” says Stephanie Kraneveld, Global Marketing Communications Manager Paints. “The Humanity Inspired project aligns perfectly with our own commitment to inspiring communities through color and we are delighted to have an exclusive partnership with such a visionary and exciting artist.”
Jafri’s project is being supported by Dubai Cares, UNICEF, UNESCO, and the Global Gift Foundation charity. He also has the backing of the United Arab Emirates government. Once the work is completed, the canvas will be split into 60 individual artwork pieces and sold via an online charity auction.