now sells it for $ 62 million

The journey of humanity, a canvas by the British painter Sacha Jafri (1977), considered the biggest in the world, was auctioned in Dubai for $ 62 million, sum that will go to charities. Due to its size, it will enter the Guinness Book of Records.

The work of 1980 square meters, carried out in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, seeks to “remind everyone how to take better care of our planet and how beautiful it is”, according to Jafri, who came to work with Nelson Mandela on initiatives to help children in South Africa.

The artist, who came to work 18 hours a day for seven months to carry out this work, it had been proposed sell it in 70 pieces in which the canvas was cut, but a French businessman living in Dubai named André Abdoune offered more than double to purchase the entire work.

“I come from a poor family and I know what it is sometimes to eat nothing, but I knew I at least had the love, the education, the support of my parents,” said the business man.

“The work seemed very powerful to me as soon as I saw it and, for me, separating the paintings would have been a mistake,” said Abdoune, a former stockbroker.

Funds raised will go to UNICEF, UNESCO, Global Gift Foundation and Dubai Cares for programs dedicated to early childhood education, healthcare, sanitation and digital connectivity .

One of the world’s most sought-after artists

The initiative launched in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, aimed, according to the artist, “to reconnect our broken planet through the hearts, minds and souls of the children of the world,” said a press release issued by Dubai. Cares, in which Jafri thank you Abdoune.

With this sale the English painter has become one of the world’s most sought-after living artists alongside Jeff Koons, David Hockney and digital artist Beeple.

Trained at Eton College, Jafri studied Fine Arts at the University of Oxford, has marriage as clients Obama and actor Leonardo DiCaprio, and has carried out humanitarian projects with George Clooney and Nelson Mandela.

In addition to his brushstroke technique and drip paint abstract style he calls “magical realism”, the painting features works submitted online by children around the world, with themes such as connection, separation and isolation during the pandemic.

“I asked the children of the world to submit their works of art in which they reflect what they feel, their emotions. We adults have a hard time doing this. The last five months have been very confusing, very frustrating and very frustrating for us. pretty scary. Well imagine what a 4 year old feels like, ”the artist said.

Jafri visited 42 refugee camps around the world for five years. “It all started with George Clooney, when he invited me to Darfur. He asked me to make a painting for a his movie, instead of the typical poster. We went to the camps in Darfur and that was the start of my trip. I have visited more refugee camps around the world, working with children and raised $ 12 million, which went to refugee camps. “

“I am a father of two and have done a lot of research on child psychology. I have found that children only need three things: to feel safe, loved, and courageous. So that they can develop their wings and make their dreams come true. true, ”he said.

Jafri also worked with Nelson Mandela for the past seven years managing a children’s fund in South Africa, which he remembers with great fondness.

“It taught me a lot. I will never forget it: if we can remember how small we are, then we can embrace humility, and with humility we can become great,” he said. declared.

Telam

Pc