Nigerian Doctor and Artist Fola David-Tolaram Breaks Guinness World Record with World’s Largest Drawing
Fola David-Tolaram, a Nigerian doctor and artist, has made history by creating the world’s largest drawing by an individual, earning him a place in the prestigious Guinness World Records. The stunning piece, measuring 1,004.7 m² (10,814.5 ft²) – approximately the size of 3.8 tennis courts – was completed at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
David-Tolaram, 31, described the artwork as a map of Nigeria, designed to celebrate the country’s rich and diverse cultures. Titled The Unity of Diversity, the drawing encapsulates various cultural elements such as food, clothing, festivals, and music from across the nation. He shared that the inspiration for this monumental work came from his travels across Nigeria, immersing himself in the different cultural experiences each region offers.
“The moment my marker touched the canvas, there was no going back. All the fear had gone away,” David-Tolaram reflected on the challenge, admitting that he initially felt apprehensive about such a vast undertaking. The project, which took six days to complete, was made possible through the use of waterproof markers on a 1,360 m² canvas.
The process of setting up the canvas alone took two days, and David-Tolaram worked with a methodical approach, adjusting his technique as he went along. Initially planning to start from the center and move outward in a circular pattern, he adapted his approach as he saw the grand scale of the drawing unfold.
The atmosphere during the project was electric, with crowds of spectators gathering at the 5,000-seat stadium to witness the progress. David-Tolaram expressed immense pride in achieving this world record, noting the surreal feeling of becoming a Guinness World Record holder.
“This is absolutely unbelievable. I grew up reading about world records and never thought I would be a record title holder,” he said. The artist’s creation not only celebrates Nigeria’s diversity but also highlights his passion for art and his drive to make an impact on the world.
David-Tolaram’s accomplishment serves as a source of national pride, showcasing the beauty of Nigerian culture on a global stage. With this groundbreaking achievement, he has proven that art can transcend boundaries and make a lasting impact.
