ART WITHIN SURFACES
Artist Sacha Jafri is Attempting to Break a World Record Using AkzoNobel’s Dulux Products Artist Sacha Jafri is attempting to create the largest painting ever created on canvas for its Humanity Inspired project and he is using AkzoNobel’s Dulux paints.
J
afri’s Humanity Inspired project, which aims to raise $30 million for
change through the hearts, minds and souls of the children of the
charitable causes within health and education, consist in creating
world – a springboard for a better future for all humanity. I aim to
a 160 meters long painting (larger than two soccer pitches laid
connect the world and re-connect humanity to ourselves, each other
end-to-end). For this project, the artist is using AkzoNobel’s Dulux
and ultimately the soul of the Earth. I’m delighted to have the support
products.
of Dulux and AkzoNobel in this record-breaking project, which has
He started his artwork, entitled The Journey of Humanity, when he
been called the largest artistic, social and philanthropic initiative in
was in lockdown for the COVID-19 outbreak, at Atlantis, the Palm
history”, added Sacha Jafri.
in Dubai, asking children around the world to send him drawings
Jafri’s project is being supported by Dubai Cares, UNICEF, UNESCO
themed around isolation and connection. These drawings, which Jafri
and the Global Gift Foundation Charity, and backed by the UAE
will paste into circular portals inside his painting, will act as windows
government.
intended to lead us to a better tomorrow, as seen through the eyes of
Once the work is completed, the canvas will be split into 60
our children.
individually framed, numbered, signed and catalogued artwork pieces
“We’ve always believed that paint has the power to transform
and sold via an online charity auction.
people’s lives and this is a fantastic way for us to support an amazing
Jafri – called “The Pioneer of Magical Realism” – is one of our most
initiative through our global ‘Let’s Colour’ program,” said Stephanie
celebrated living artists, whose work is owned by the likes of
Kraneveld, Global Marketing Communications Manager Paints. “The
Barack Obama, Bill Gates, George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio and
Humanity Inspired project aligns perfectly with our own commitment
Madonna.
to inspiring communities through colour and we’re delighted to have
The program AkzoNobel’s global “Let’s Colour” was launched in 2009.
an exclusive partnership with such a visionary and exciting artist.”
More than 2.000 projects have been completed to date, bringing
“My initiative, Humanity Inspired, aims to be a catalyst for true societal
positive benefits to well over 68 million people.
© AkzoNobel
144
N. 65 - SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 - international PAINT&COATING magazine
© AkzoNobel