The Biggest Painting in the World.
From time to time the world’s communities witness some extraordinary
ideas, which capture our collective imaginations and stir our humanity.
Ideas – which go on to become the global conversation.
Ideas like Geldof’s and Bono’s ‘Live 8’ concerts, which coordinated and
focused the world’s attention on the issue of third world debt.
Or the unprecedented communal response, that followed the 2004 Indian
Ocean tsunami and the ongoing debate on global warming brought into
such focus by Al Gore.
These ideas create responses that are sustainable and mutually beneficial.
Gone are the ‘begging bowls’ and ‘hand outs’.
They never worked, they never will.
Truly great ideas are driven by a simple thought- We should all benefit.
And now it is Africa’s turn.
The art and artists of Africa have long been sought after, but their work and
status hasn’t always been recognized as equal by the global community.
That is about to change and it will change, through an African led initiative
that will inspire and motivate the world.
Imagine this!
One million paintings by all 53 African countries and the Diaspora, will be
assembled on a 1km sq piece of land – creating the largest montage of
African art ever, becoming – ‘The Biggest Painting in the World.’
The involvement of millions on the continent in the Making of the Biggest
Painting process, empowers them to use their natural gift of creativity in
the art.
And how does this all come together?
Each African country is encouraged to invite its artists, of all genders
and ages, professional or amateur, to prepare and submit a flat art piece.
These are collected nationally and selected pieces are digitally scanned.
The digitized art is printed onto weather proof material and assembled
as one gigantic art piece located on a magnificent piece of land in
Beaufort West, Central Karoo, Western Cape, South Africa.
becoming ‘The Biggest Painting in the World.’
And how does art and the artist benefit?
As the artists art piece is digitally captured, it is posted and can be
viewed on The Biggest Painting in the World – website.
Here potential investors, art appreciators and the global public at
large will be able to log on and bid for the art piece, or pieces they
most desire.
The art will be graded into various categories to best represent
the artist’s levels of competency, with a minimum bid set for
each. On successful sale the artist receives a percentage with the
balance going into construction, management of the project and
a Fund to support African Art.
The benefit to the artists goes further:
• The profile of African art is raised.
• The value of African art is tracked.
• African art will begin to acquire an equitable global valuation.
• Creating the World’s biggest art market.
And what about the theme…
‘Be part of the renaissance of African Art’
When does this begin?
 The first public launch was at the African Film Showcase at
FESPACO 2009 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Since then the project has been introduced and presented to
key-stakeholders, artists, broadcasters, authorities, embassies,
corporates, media, sponsors, agents, and several thousands of
individuals at conferences and meetings in:
Algeria, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa,
Swaziland, Zimbabwe and at least 30 other African countries,
Australia, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Korea, Norway,
Poland, The Caribbean, UK, USA and a host of the World.
Milestones:
• Launches in Regions 1 to 7.
• Pixel campaign.
• Recruitment of staff.
• Recruitment of judges, curators and collectors.
• Biggest Painting Television.
• Engagement of main and sub-contractors.
• Training workshops for Regions 1 to 7.
• Events and Exhibitions.
• Call for paintings Regions 1 to 7.
• Collection and selection of paintings in countries.
• Construction of site in Beaufort West.
• Auctions of paintings.
• Opening of the site to the public.
We invite you to become part of the motion!
And what about the communication?
Great ideas generate their own talk and this idea will be no
exception.
Due to serious logistical challenges with a project of this magnitude,
we need the cooperation and support of each country,
regional and local government.
We need the praise and blessing of our leaders. We need the muscles
of our financial institutions,the foresight and vision of the many social
groups and community elders who motivate societies.
We need an understanding from the broader community that as we endeavor
to help them, we need their help in return.
How you can help.
You can help by using your own gift of imagination – and
consider in what way you, and the other influences around you, could stand to benefit,
and help others benefit, from this initiative.
To share with us the other opportunities you have seen,
as I sketched out this idea.
To ask what and how, you could do, to help promote,
encourage and motivate others to help this idea gain momentum.
To help partner this big idea so we all benefit-Africa, the artist, the world.
Leave your fingerprint! Go on! Make a difference.
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