Dr. Adefemi Gbadamosi, widely known as Fola David, is a remarkable figure who seamlessly combines his medical career with his passion for visual and hyper-realism art. Born September 5, 1993, Fola David has carved a niche for himself in both the medical and art worlds. He acquired his first degree in Medicine and Surgery from the College of Medicine at the University of Lagos.
His artistic talent was acknowledged for the first time in 2017 when he was nominated for The Future Awards Africa Prize for Art &Culture. The influence and great insights he shared with the world of art became solidified when he gave a speech on TEDxBellsTech at Bells University in 2018.
His most ambitious project to date is his present quest to break the Guinness World Record for the Largest Drawing by an Individual.
The record-breaking artwork, titled “Unity in Diversity,” is an expansive project that covers a canvas measuring 850 square meters. It displays the map of Nigeria, exquisitely done to exemplify the rich tapestry of the country’s many tribes and the uniqueness of their attire, languages, arts, and essence. This artistic endeavor celebrates Nigeria’s cultural diversity, encapsulating the essence of unity within its multiplicity.
The current Guinness World Record for the Largest Drawing by an Individual, set by Ravi Soni in India, stands at 629.98 square meters. Dr. David aims to eclipse this record with a drawing of 850 square meters is a markup of his dedication and passion.
Working tirelessly on this project, Dr. David proves that the imaginative and brilliant spirit within him wouldn’t necessarily have to be hindered just because of one’s professional career. From being a medical doctor to a distinguished visual artist and currently one of the hopefuls in the Guinness World Record, his journey is an inspiration to many that determination and hard work, indeed, can bring you places, and push boundaries.
Most notably, several celebrities have visited the venue as a way of supporting this great initiative by Dr. David. Their presence helped to boost the artist’s morale as much as it brought out the cultural relevance of his work. The response from the public and various influential figures only goes to prove that art unites, and indeed celebrates the rich heritage of Nigeria.
On the fourth day of his ambitious Guinness World Record attempt, Dr. Fola David achieved a significant milestone. At 9 PM, he broke the existing record of 629.98 square meters, previously held by Ravi Soni from India. However, Dr. David’s journey is far from complete. His ultimate goal is to cover over 1000 square meters, and he is currently at 689 square meters.
Dr. David’s project, “Unity in Diversity,” is not just about setting records; it’s about showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria. The artwork features a detailed map of Nigeria, highlighting the country’s diverse tribes through their unique attire, languages, and art. Each stroke of his brush is a testament to the unity found within Nigeria’s diversity, an aspect that Dr. David passionately seeks to emphasize.
Dr. Fola David’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. A practicing medical doctor, he discovered his passion for visual and hyper-realism art while studying at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. Balancing his demanding medical studies with his love for art was challenging, but his dedication to both fields never wavered. Over time, he honed his skills and began to gain recognition for his extraordinary talent.
The current record-breaking attempt at Onikan Stadium in Lagos is a culmination of years of perseverance, hard work, and an unwavering passion for art. The event has drawn significant attention, with numerous onlookers and supporters visiting the venue to witness history in the making.
The event is scheduled to close on Sunday, July 21, 2024, when he draws the 1000 square meters. Entrance to this history-making event is free of charge.
Written By Veronica Emmanuel
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