Students team up with world renown artist Sacha Jafri to help create the world's largest art canvas

A painting inspired by students at GEMS Wellington International School and created by Dubai-based UK artist Sacha Jafri is expected to receive Guinness World Record recognition.

Going for the title of Largest Painting on Canvas, The Journey of Humanity measures almost 1,600 square meters and covers the entire floor of all four ballrooms at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Jafri asked children to submit art around the themes of “isolation and connection” for him to take inspiration from. He then selected some of the artworks of GEMS Wellington International pupils, which most inspired him, and those selected were then invited to spend the afternoon with Jafri via Zoom.

The lucky pupils dialed into Jafri at the Atlantis on the Palm where he gave a live virtual tour of his creation and pupils shared the inspiration behind their own pieces. Jafri says the students kept him focused as he created the giant piece of art to be submitted to Guinness World Records.

“I was overwhelmed with the engagement of the children from GEMS Wellington International School,” said Jafri. “The thought and emotions they put into their individual art was truly inspiring and helped the creation of my painting.”

Year two pupil Janet Khambhati, aged seven, was the youngest pupil to take part in the project. “I was selected by Sacha for my painting of doctors and nurses. I talked about my artwork and asked him questions. I saw the biggest painting he was creating. It was super awesome,” she said

Jafri claims he remained inspired while painting for many months thanks to the support, ideas and inspiration from hundreds of children from around 140 countries.

The Journey of Humanity will be unveiled at the Atlantis ballroom later this year.

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