Dubai: the art world witnessed an astonishing event unfold in a flurry of invention and collaboration, as 45 artists from all backgrounds collaborated to produce a magnificent masterpiece using an uncommon medium: coffee. In addition to breaking records, this creative initiative, held by the Art4you Gallery in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and supported by the well-known coffee brand Attibassi, showcased the potential for sustainability in art.
With its remarkable 70-meter length, the watercolor paper offered the painters an empty canvas on which to work their magic. They started their creative adventure with brushes in hand and coffee as their palette, infusing each stroke with the depth and richness of this unexpected material. What was revealed was a tapestry of cultural variety, with elements of several countries woven together to create a coherent story. Coffee, valued for its versatility and earthy tones, evolved into more than just a beverage; it also became a representation of artistic expression and environmental preservation. The artists’ creative transformation of this everyday object into a sustainable art medium not only demonstrates their ingenuity but also emphasizes the need of environmental stewardship in the creative process.
What particularly distinguished this initiative was its rapid development. In less than 1.5 hours, the artists worked together to transform the blank canvas into a living, breathing manifestation of human creativity. The participants’ faultless teamwork highlighted the value of unity and a unified aim in achieving extraordinary results. Jesno Jackson was the innovative curator of this groundbreaking live painting event, bringing the concept to life with his distinct perspective and love for the arts. Jesno designed and launched the large project with a strong sense of creativity and a commitment to sustainability, bringing together artists from all backgrounds to collaborate on creating a work of art unlike any other. This remarkable collaboration was made possible by his leadership and unwavering commitment to pushing the limits of artistic expression and team work. This will have a long-lasting effect on the art world, inspiring future generations to explore new pathways of creativity and sustainability.
The event included a diverse group of brilliant painters, each offering their own flare and cultural viewpoint to the collective canvas. Among the notable contributors were Mahum Shoaib, Alia Abdul Karim, Soobika Fawad, Rahma Fawad from Pakistan, Shakiba Rabiei, Aliyeh Mohammad Barazandeh, Mehboobeh Shahnavas, Lina Abdolhamid from Iran, Jesno Jackson, Anila Krishnakumar, Neethu George, Maria Komal Abie, Manjari Vybhava, Murali Nettissery, Megha Manjarekar, Nisha Varghese, Ridhima Ajay Manjarekar, Ruxeena Mustafa from India, Zara Bekmurzaeva, Sofia Bekmurzaeva from Degestan, Smagulova Sabina, Smagulova Ameliya from Kazakhstan, Elias Avad, Volha Bunko from Belarus, Beschetnov Bogdan, Iurii Ivanov, Sofia Kupina, Zulya Kupina, Ariella Livshits, Vasilisa Eliseeva from Russia, Margaux Paradis from France, Alice Zakaryan, Kira Zakaryan from Armenia, Sarri Tolarba Gayat from Philippines, Khuloud Almhairi from UAE, Alzbeta Znamenska from Czech Republic, just to name a few. These 45 coffee artists and painters, spanning a wide range of nations and artistic styles, pooled their talents to create a captivating tapestry of creation using coffee as a medium. Their combined efforts not only smashed records, but also demonstrated the power of collaboration and variety in the realm of art, making an indelible effect on everyone who watched their incredible achievement.
The event was made possible in large part by supporters like Montelbano and others working behind the scenes. With their assistance, we were able to secure the resources we required while also raising awareness about sustainability and artist collaboration. Together, they created a space where artists could raise environmental consciousness while pushing the boundaries of creativity. This creative event, staged against the background of Al Khayat Avenue, gained cultural depth and intensity by co-locating with the 5th Edition of Montalbano & Friends at Corso Italia. This gathering place for artistic activities celebrated Italian culture in all of its forms, including the longest live painting with coffee. Guests were treated to a sensory journey across Italy’s diverse and enthralling realms, which included art, gastronomy, design, fashion, and other related professions. These two events merged to create a thriving hub where culture and creativity intersected, spurring exploration and growth along Al Khayat Avenue.
Art4you Gallery’s decision to stage this ground-breaking event in the UAE not only highlighted the region’s booming art scene, but also motivated a new generation of artists to experiment with alternative materials and embrace sustainable techniques. The event was a shining example of innovation, showing the endless possibilities that emerge when art and sustainability intersect.
‘The longest live painting in coffee’ left a lasting impression on the art world, setting a new world record-breaking event for artistic achievement. It sparked a conversation about the transformative power of creativity and collaboration, reminding us of art’s ability to inspire and shape our world for the better, one brushstroke at a time.