DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Boxer Roy Jones, Jr. was one of a number of famous boxers and other celebrities who contributed to a Guinness World Record painting that is traveling the world.
Over 2,070 individuals from more than 200 countries have lended a stroke or painted on the canvas. The canvas itself measures 1.27 meters by 4 meters (13.12 feet). Roy Jones, Jr. contribution was a small fist in the lower portion of the canvas.
The World Painting: A Global Social Art Project is designed to promote peace and build bridges. It has been displayed at the United Nations and around the world. A replica of this artwork was even sent to the International Space Station.
“Other boxers who who have contributed to the painting include Christina Hammer, Firuza Shairpova, Serik Sapiyev and Zhansaya Abdulmalik,” said Daut Shaikhislam, the author and producer of the World Painting.
It was most recently displayed at COP28 UAE, also known as the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This global summit held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30, 2023 has brought together representatives from nearly 200 countries to discuss and negotiate ways to combat climate change. The conference saw the agreement of a historic Loss and Damage fund to compensate the world's poorest nations from climate change."In September 2022, the exhibition of "The World Painting" was held at the United Nation headquarters in New York. This event was marked by the participation of Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th General Assembly of the UN who also left his mark on the canvas. Thereafter in January 2023, the project showcased at the UNESCO headquarters in in Paris and later moved to the European UN headquarters in Geneva February 2023," said Shaikhislam.
Thus far the project has included Hollywood talent, musicians, international sports stars, public figures, and heads of state. The participation of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and other celebrities beyond just Roy Jones, Jr. include Riz Ahmed, Alexander Vinokouv, Maurice Ashley, Bai Ling, Carla Bruni, and Timur Bekmambetov. Musicians involved included Dimash Qudaibergen, Zaz, Zemfira, and Ne-Yo. Karipbek Kuyukov, a Kazakh painter born without arms due to nuclear radiation exposure painted a small portion with a brush clenched in his teeth.
These notable participants not only contribute artistically to the project but also lend their voices and influence to its message of global unity, peace, and environmental sustainability.
"The exhibition will feature the global canvas as well as the artwork of Karipbek Kuyukov, a remarkable armless artist who created the "Dove of Peace." This project not only represents a colossal artistic endeavor but also symbolizes global unity and the shared human spirit transcending borders and cultural differences," said Shaikhislam.
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