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DUBAI/ WAM
A vibrant painting, spanning four meters in length, takes pride of place in the Blue Zone of the COP28 conference. This breathtaking artwork, titled “World Painting,” showcases human stories and conveys powerful messages aimed at protecting planet Earth from the devastating impacts of climate change.
The painting captivates dozens of COP28 participants, showcasing harmony in its components. It merges the enchantment of art across different genres and schools into one powerful entity, serving as an appeal for tolerance, love, and peace among all Earth’s peoples.
Originally crafted during Expo 2020 Dubai, the painting now stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration at COP28. Its diverse illustrations depict a vibrant harmony, evoking patterns and colourful lines that define the boundaries of characters, phrases, and inspiring quotes distributed across its surface. Some phrases, like “Expo 2020 Dubai brings us together”, are written in Arabic, blending expression through words and imagery in a masterful artistic design.
The painting’s borders, encapsulating a common thread of “peace and love,” feature an image of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He stands proudly in the heart of the ancient desert, a testament to the country’s commitment to promoting tolerance, goodness, and peace for all.
Furthermore, the painting is adorned with the renowned logo of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. His motto, “Victory, Triumph, Love,” forms a central and essential element within the painting, encapsulating the noblest human meanings.
On the sidelines of COP28, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) met with Beksultan Nurgali, the Kazakhstani artist behind the concept of the World Painting. Nurgali shared details of the unique project, which involved over 2,070 individuals from more than 200 countries, including 52 Emiratis.
Nurgali explained, “The World Painting is a global social art project that unified the world through art. It’s a one-of-a-kind painting involving individuals from all corners of the Earth, including Hollywood actors, directors, prominent musicians, global sports stars, and public figures.”
“The idea for the World Painting originated from cinematographer Daut Shaikhislam, within the heart of the Kazakhstan Pavilion at Expo Dubai,” Nurgali revealed. “It coincided with the exhibition’s commencement and was initially showcased at Al Wasl Plaza, unifying the Earth under one dome.”
Nurgali proudly confirmed that the Guinness World Records recognised the painting as a “record achievement,” marking it as the canvas painting involving the largest number of participants in its execution.
“The World Painting stands as a living testament that all inhabitants of the planet, regardless of their skin colour, religion, or place of residence, dream of living on Earth in harmony, unity, and peace,” Nurgali further added. “More importantly, it underscores the desire to preserve life on our planet.”
Nurgali emphasised the remarkable enthusiasm of participants from diverse backgrounds who eagerly contributed to this meaningful artistic endeavour. He expressed profound gratitude to everyone who played a role in its creation.
“This painting transcends its artistic merit,” Nurgali elaborated. “It embodies the shared human spirit that bridges borders and cultural differences.”
The project attracted renowned participants from various fields, including Nicolas Sarkozy, former French President, Oscar-winning British artist and actor Riz Ahmed, American chess professor Maurice Ashley, and Chinese-American actress Bai Ling.
Other notable figures contributing their artistic touch to the painting included: Roy Jones Jr., the legendary American boxer Carla Bruni, former First Lady of France, Timur Bekmambetov, acclaimed Kazakhstani director, Dimash Kudaibergen, celebrated Kazakhstani singer, Isabelle Geffroy (Zaz), renowned French singer-songwriter, Zemfira, iconic Russian singer, and Karipbek Kuyukov, Kazakhstani painter nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.