By: Isabella Liu

Nigerian artist Fola David, who is also a doctor, aims to set a brand new Guinness World Record for the largest piece of art that was drawn by an individual after spending six days (July 16th to July 21st) on his piece in a stadium at the commercial capital Lagos. His art was a huge 1,050 square meter drawing that surpassed the last Guinness World Record for the largest piece of art, which was 629.98 square meters and was drawn by Ravi Soni from India.

In the art piece, David Fola depicts various skin conditions as a way of campaigning against the social stereotypes of skin disorders such as wrinkles and stress marks. He raises awareness on medical issues at the Fola David Foundation. David also holds a medical degree in Surgery and Medicine. He received the award for The Future Awards Africa Prize for Art & Culture in 2017 and spoke in a TED talk.

David said that his art, which shows two hands holding Nigeria’s map, was meant to show Nigeria’s cultural heritage and diversity. His art piece is named “Unity in Diversity.” The diversity of Nigeria is exhibited by its numerous ethnic groups, as well as its various different languages. “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. The hands represent the fact that Nigeria is united.

The Guinness World Record body has been informed of the feat and will need to confirm the size of his artwork if he is to surpass the previous record. This art piece is both big and beautiful.