Dubai: On March 1, 2024, the art world saw an incredible event unfold in a frenzy of creativity and teamwork as 45 artists from all backgrounds came together to create a massive masterpiece utilizing an unusual medium: coffee. In addition to smashing records, this innovative project—hosted by the Art4you Gallery in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and sponsored by the well-known coffee company Attibassi—also demonstrated the possibilities of sustainability in art.
The watercolour paper stretched an impressive 70 meters, providing a blank slate for the artists to weave their magic. With brushes in hand and coffee as their palette, they embarked on a journey of artistic expression, each stroke infused with the richness and depth of this unexpected medium. What emerged was a tapestry of cultural diversity, with influences from various nationalities interwoven into a seamless narrative. Respected for its earthy undertones and adaptability, coffee turned out to be more than simply a drink; it also became a symbol of creativity and environmental care. The artists’ innovative repurposing of this commonplace item into a sustainable art medium highlights the significance of environmental stewardship in the creative process, while also showcasing their inventiveness.
The pace at which this project developed was what really made it unique. The artists’ combined efforts turned the blank canvas into a live, breathing example of human creation in under 1.5 hours. The participants’ flawless cooperation demonstrated the importance of unity and a common goal in accomplishing amazing things. Jesno Jackson was the imaginative curator behind this ground-breaking live painting event, bringing the idea to life with his unique thinking and enthusiasm for the arts. Jackson conceived and launched the enormous project with a strong sense of inventiveness and a commitment to sustainability, bringing together artists from all backgrounds to collaborate on creating a work of art unlike any other. This incredible partnership was made possible by his leadership and unrelenting dedication to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. He will always have a lasting impact on the art world and inspire future generations to discover new avenues for creativity and sustainability.
The event boasted participation from an eclectic mix of talented artists, each bringing their unique flair and cultural perspective to the collaborative 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, Neethu George, Maria Komal Abie, Manjari Vybhava, Murali Nettissery, Megha Manjarekar, Rithima 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. Together, these 45 coffee artists and painters, representing a multitude of nationalities and artistic styles, united their talents to create a mesmerizing tapestry of creativity using coffee as their medium. Their collective efforts not only broke records but also showcased the power of collaboration and diversity in the world of art, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed their extraordinary feat.
The event was made possible in large part by supporters like Montelbano and friends working behind the scenes. With their help, we were able to obtain the materials we needed and spread the word about sustainability and cooperation among artists. Together, they established a venue where artists could promote environmental awareness while pushing the frontier of creativity. The site for this innovative event, which took place against the backdrop of Al Khayat Avenue, was given even more cultural depth and energy by being held in conjunction with the 5th Edition of Montalbano & Friends at Corso Italia. This meeting point of creative pursuits honored Italian culture in all its facets as well as the longest live painting with coffee. A sensory trip across the many and captivating domains of Italy was provided to the guests, encompassing art, cuisine, design, fashion, and other related fields. These two occasions combined to create a vibrant center where culture and creativity met, inspiring exploration and growth along Al Khayat Avenue.
By choosing to host this groundbreaking event in the UAE, Art4you Gallery not only showcased the region’s burgeoning art scene but also inspired a new generation of artists to explore unconventional mediums and embrace sustainable practices. The event served as a beacon of creativity, illuminating the limitless possibilities that emerge when art and sustainability converge.
As the final brushstrokes were laid and the masterpiece unveiled, it left an indelible mark on the art world. The longest live painting with coffee not only set a new standard for artistic achievement but also ignited a conversation about the transformative power of creativity and collaboration. It reminded us that art has the ability to inspire, unite, and shape our world for the better, one brushstroke at a time.