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.
With its remarkable 70-meter length, the watercolor paper offered the painters an empty canvas on which to work their magic. They started their creative adventure with brushes in hand and coffee as their palette, infusing each stroke with the depth and richness of this unexpected material. What was revealed was a tapestry of cultural variety, with elements of several countries woven together to create a coherent story. Coffee, valued for its versatility and earthy tones, evolved into more than just a beverage; it also became a representation of artistic expression and environmental preservation. The artists’ creative transformation of this everyday object into a sustainable art medium not only demonstrates their ingenuity but also emphasizes the need of environmental stewardship in the creative process.
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. Jesno conceptualized and began the massive project with a strong sense of creativity and a dedication to sustainability, bringing together artists from all backgrounds to cooperate on producing a piece of art unlike any other. This remarkable collaboration was made possible by his leadership and unwavering commitment to pushing the limits of artistic expression and team work. This will have a long-lasting effect on the art world, inspiring future generations to explore new pathways of 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.
Art4you Gallery’s decision to stage this ground-breaking event in the UAE not only highlighted the region’s booming art scene, but also motivated a new generation of artists to experiment with alternative materials and embrace sustainable techniques. The event was a shining example of innovation, showing the endless possibilities that emerge when art and sustainability intersect.
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.
- By Art Curator & Art Writer – Jesno Jackson
