World record for longest abstract by Dubai International Art Centre

On March 8, Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC), in association with Namaste India Magazine, successfully set a world record for the longest abstract painting ever created, as recognised by the Asia Book of Records. The painting, which spanned an impressive 100 metres, was completed in only 45 minutes by 100 talented artists hailing from various nationalities, who had gathered at the Camel Uschi Farm, Al Qudra desert, to make the attempt. The event was not only a celebration of artistic expression, but also a testament to the power of unity and collaboration. Artists from around the globe came together to create the monumental piece of art, demonstrating how creativity transcends borders. Under the guidance of mentors, artists who took part were divided into 10 groups, with each group focused on contributing a section of the canvas; it made the painting a truly collective effort.

The occasion was graced by the presence of Khaleel Abdulwahid, well known Emirati artist, who was the Chief Guest, and Ahmed Rukni, renowned Emirati artist, who supported the event as Special Guest. “Their unwavering support throughout the event was invaluable,” said Diyali Sen Bhalla, DIAC Chairperson. Nassim Nasr, Lebanese artist known for pioneering ‘Expressive Colour Minimalism’, a blend of Abstract Expressionism, Colour Field, and Minimalism, also joined the event, to show his support for the endeavour.

Khalil Abdulwahid (third left), Sahira Ameen (left foreground) and Diyali Sen Bhalla.

he record effort was organised under the leadership of Diyali Sen Bhalla; Sudhir Salunke, Chairperson of Namaste India Magazine; Sahira Ameen, Center Manager at DIAC; and Mohammad Shaheen, DIAC Administrator. DIAC and Namaste India Magazine extended their gratitude to the mentors who guided the artists, which included Diyali Sen Bhalla, Beena Samuel, Atul Panase, Pari Sagar, Alemayehu Goshime, Nahida Beshara, Zaahirah Muthy, Jivan Hovhannisyan, Sandeep Soni, and Sijin Gopinathan. Special thanks were given to the event’s committee members Alia Amin, Mahnaz Rafiq Javid, Lita Mathews, Deepa Rajesh, Ian Fernandes, Mary Ann Pascual, and Prakash MN Nekraje, for their hard work and dedication in organising the historical event and making it a success.

Volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes included Amna Ameen, Anam Javid, Sneha Rajesh, Ayysha Rzan, Rubeena Rashid, Sibel Yavuz, Nivethitha Jayaramu, Iqbal Kalarikkal, Irfan Zaheer, Maryam Ezzi, Muhammad Arslan, Ness Jhala, Afraz Abbas, Bhoomika Rajesh, Navas M, Tahir Kadwani, Abdul Hadi, and Rigash Raghavan. Host of the event, Ursula Musch of Camel Uschi Farm, provided the space and art support. Musch has been living in the Emirates for over two decades. Born in Germany, she developed a life-long passion for UAE culture and Bedouin traditions and established Camel Uschi Farm to share her love of camels, Arabian desert life and Bedouin culture.The event also received the assistance of Ambika Vohra, Art Curator, who played a pivotal role in curating and bringing together its artistic elements.

The success of the record-breaking endeavour was also made possible through the contributions of its sponsors, who helped bring the idea to life. Najeeba Raval from Skribl Box sponsored paints and supported event organisation; Rekha Sunil from Creativa Middle East provided the canvases; Bhumika Maniyar from The Green Revolution gifted planters to participants; and staff members Soorya Jayarajan, Sandeep Kumar, Muhammed Adenan and Hom Bahadur Gurung, also provided invaluable support. Further sponsorship was received from Abdul Karim of Kalhour Oilfield Equipment Ltd, who provided Iftar boxes; Javid Mohammed from Octave Asset Management sponsored transport for artists and volunteers; Antas Ashok Kumar from Lazy Artist Gallery gave videography support; Vidisha Pandey from Indian Folk Art Corridor offered materials sponsorship; Mohammed Ameen from Amna for Furniture LLC supported in kind; Guddi Bajaj from Innara was gift sponsor; and Pari Sagar from Be Attractive, arranged media support.

Artists and supporters at the event.

Media sponsors included DXB24 Live, Pardais News, The Times of UAE, and Middle East Masala Magazine. Khaleej Times elevated the event’s reach and impact. “Last but certainly not least, a heartfelt thank you goes to all the participating artists who made this record-breaking achievement possible,” said Diyali Sen Bhalla. “It was their creativity and commitment to the project that led to the creation of the 100-metre canvas in just 45 minutes.”

Participating artists included Aanya Rajput, Ahlam Ghazali, Alemayehu Goshime, Alia Amin, Amancia Sandra Menezes, Ambika Vohra, Anahita Ansaripour, Anashrita Henckel, Anastasie Akibode, Anuj Sarkar, Aquila Abdel Rahim, Arezoo Rahmdel, Asiya Hassham Malik, Askin Poyraz, Asma Syed, Aswin M Jayan, Atul Panase, Beena Samuel, Bhumika Maniyar, Chandralekha Dubey, Deepa David, Deepa Rajesh, Diyali Bhalla, Ellina Zhyzhyna, Fahimeh Hussein, Govind Janardhanan, Grace Dennis, Hanna Dennis, Huzefa Tariq, Iulaeva Elza Talgatovna, Jagruti Sanjay, Jaimee Felysse Reyes, Jivan Hovhannisyan, Justin Paul, Jyoti Devdhar, Keertana Venkatesan, Khadija Noor, Komal Jhala, Lancy Dennis, Lita Mathews, Maqsood Kayani, Mahi Wasfi, Mahnaz Ghafouri, Mahnaz Rafiq Javid, Mahesh Kadri, Mareena Susan John, Mona Biswarupa, Mona Moheb, Mridu Srivastava, Mukta Choubisa, Nachiammai Anandan, Naganandhini, Nahida Beshara, Narayan Kadavathu, Naureen Izhar, Pari Sagar, Prasanth Chandran, Paulomi Rana, Poonam Chauhan, Pradeep Kumar, Pradnya Rakesh Raje, Priyadarshini, Ramya Nair, Reinier Chirino, Reshma Parikh, Richa Shah, Rukmini Kalyani Nerella, Sakthivel Perumal, Salma Barakat, Sandeep Soni, Sanvi Sanjay, Seyedeh Fahimeh Saadatpour, Seyyedeh Hanieh Hosseini, Shabnam Sartipi, Shirley Wilkinson, Shahnaz Bhatia, Shashank Balaji Prasad, Sheetal Udayabhanu, Sijin Gopinathan, Solmaz Gholami, Suganya Devi Ramkumar, Suganya Narendran, Susan Himson, Susipadmadevi Aravind, Siana Avila Mendonca, Sudhir Salunke, Thomas Antony, Umananthini Gurushev, Ursula Musch, Vanishri Manikandan, Vishnu Subbiah Letchumanan, and Zaahirah Muthy. “This event will go down in history as a monumental celebration of global unity and artistic collaboration,” said Diyali Sen Bhalla.