August 18, (THEWILL) – Adefemi Gbadamosi, a.k.a Fola David, is a medical doctor and visual artist who recently set a new Guinness World Record for the largest drawing in the world by an individual with his painting titled, ‘Unity in Diversity’. He tells IVORY UKONU why he embarked on the project. Excerpts:
How does it feel to be the author of the largest drawing in the world?
It feels like a dream come true. This idea came up nine years ago while I was still in medical school. Finally achieving this feat tells me you should never give up on your dreams.
Has the Guinness World Record formally recognised you?
We are collating our evidence for the Guinness World Record and are confident in getting their approval seal.
What was the drawing all about?
The drawing is titled ‘Unity in Diversity’. It is a project aimed at celebrating Nigeria’s uniqueness and showcasing the beauty that resides in our different cultures.
Beyond the GWR recognition, what else did you set out to achieve with the drawing?
I set out to create a drawing depicting my country’s multicultural heritage. I also embarked on a journey to different parts of the country, a knowledge-seeking mission. This journey was to help me gain useful insights and experience the various cultures that exist in Nigeria. I interacted with individuals and custodians of these cultures in the months leading up to the world record event. This helped me to ensure the drawing was made to incorporate the hearts and stories of Nigerians living together with different ways of life and how they have embraced other cultures and traditions. The world record drawing will not only serve as a reflection of cultural identity but also as a medium for building understanding and unity among diverse Nigerian ethnic groups, thereby promoting peaceful coexistence.
Will you consider this feat to be your biggest achievement in life so far?
So far, yes. It won’t be long before something bigger comes and takes over though, I have a lot of big dreams to fulfill.
What challenges did you experience while preparing for and during the drawing?
The biggest challenge I had, which delayed this project for nine years, was funding. The world record for the largest drawing by an individual is not a cheap record to break. Many challenges came up, especially during my travels around the country, but I met a lot of well-meaning Nigerians who supported this dream and assisted me. The venue was also important, and the Lagos State Government supported me in that regard, while also ensuring that other state agencies were on board to ensure a conducive environment for me to undertake the task without distractions.
Every challenge we faced during this world record project was new and we needed to find creative ways to surpass them. I am very grateful for the experience. I got exhausted sometimes, and I also felt a lot of pain, but I never thought of giving up. I kept pushing myself to ensure that the record was not only beaten from a previous 629.98 square meters but a new worthwhile record was set at 850 meters. I didn’t just stop there, I expanded it to 1,000 square meters.
What motivated you to keep going?
My desire to see this dream to the end was a huge drive for me. The number of people who supported and believed in the dream also gave me the push I needed to keep going. The importance of the message that I wanted to pass was also very key and I knew I had to complete this work.
You are considered to be Nigeria’s foremost speed painter. Does that also make you the first to do this?
I wouldn’t say that I am the first. I’m pretty sure that there were others before me. I guess what it means is that my work is distinguished in some way. Besides, I have taken speed painting to heights that no other speed painter in Nigeria has been able to do.
What exactly is speed painting?
It is an artistic style where the artist creates an art piece in a very short time. It can be considered a performance painting if the artist does it to a crowd and infuses some movement or fancy fast strokes in his work or, in my case, paints the image upside down.
What other art styles do you do?
I work as a contemporary hyperrealist and this is where I use charcoal and graphite to paint.
What is the relationship between painting and the medical profession?
Well, I use my art to create awareness about medical conditions, especially dermatology. Art is a powerful tool to send messages with and communicate with individuals, different races, cultures and backgrounds.
Many will argue that medical doctors hardly find the time for pastimes, but you seem to be doing it differently with painting. How are you able to keep the two sides of your life working without both clashing?
I wouldn’t call my art something I do as a pastime. It is my profession. Yes, I have two professions. I can carry on with both because I am passionate about healthcare, just as I am about art. Also, I plan my time effectively so there is no basis for both clashing.
How did your journey into painting begin?
It began in my 400 level in the College of Medicine, University of Lagos where I painted during a school event. The reaction I got from the crowd when I was done, pushed me to do more and that was how it began. I started moving from shows to shows, just looking for different platforms to show my work.
Do you get paid for painting or is it just a hobby?
I am paid for every painting I do. It is an industry on its own and just like every other performing arts, it is quite lucrative.
Do you exhibit your works?
Yes, I do. I have exhibited in different countries across the world, including Nigeria, United States of America, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Germany and even here in Nigeria. I have also exhibited my work at the art pantheon in Oniru, Lagos.
Besides the GWR painting, which of your other works would you consider to be your most significant and why?
I have done so many and I actually consider them all very significant but right off the top of my head, I would say two of my works which I aptly named ‘Resilience I’ and ‘In the arms of Morpheus’. When these particular works were exhibited, I remember many people bidding for them simultaneously.
Where do you get your painting inspiration from?
I am inspired by everything around me, my day-to-day interaction with people and what I see or hear happening around me.
Have you always wanted to be a doctor or is it a means to an end?
I remember that I was always called a doctor right from when I was in primary school. I guess it just grew on me and when it came to selecting a course to study, I just chose medicine and surgery.
What is your area of specialisation?
I have a special interest in dermatology and surgery.
Why is that?
This is because I love working with human skin, whether in my art or in the hospital because I know my hands to be quite steady and reliable.
Do your patients still want you to treat them when they find out that you are a painter at night?
Many of my patients don’t even know who I am. But those that do absolutely love the level of care and professionalism I put into what I do.
Will you at some point drop your stethoscope to fully embrace the painting brush?
I don’t think I will ever stop being both a doctor or a visual artist. It provides me with a unique perspective of life and a beautiful chance to show the world the endless possibilities of human life.
You seem to be many things as you also run a project called skin positivity. What is it all about?
I campaign against the social stereotypes of skin disorders like wrinkles, vitiligo, freckles, stretch marks, ichthyosis and other skin conditions. Many people have fallen victim to society’s idea of what your skin should be like. There are many unrealistic ideas out there on what kind of skin people should be comfortable in. This has led to low self-esteem, depression and many people using very harmful products on their skin, all with the aim of achieving the “perfect” skin. My skin positivity project aims to encourage people to love themselves irrespective of their skin type, to boost their confidence and reduce the stigma associated with many visible skin conditions.
What influenced it?
It all came up from my interaction with my patients. I got to see the side most people do not see. How people have to live with the constant stares, endless questions and poking. I really just wanted to do something to help a lot more people I know are going through that emotional and psychological trauma of having certain skin concerns.
What is the story behind the FolaDavid Foundation?
The FolaDavid Foundation was born out of love for healthcare and art.
How would you assess the impact of your foundation on society?
We have been able to carry out free medical outreaches in different parts of Nigeria and cater to over 5,000 people. Our creative projects have seen us set up visual development centers in Nigeria and in South Africa. We help children in various cities to harness their talents in visual art and give them a platform to show their works to the world. The South African National Lotteries Commission, NLC, gave us a yearly grant of $25,000 to do just that. We plan to take this to many other African countries. One thing I remember saying to myself a lot when I started my journey as an artist was that “I wish I started earlier…” I realised my major challenge was not even knowing what I had and what I can do with it. These centres help to deal with that challenge by helping children in different communities have access to tools, to mentorship, to platforms of expression and create a community of young budding artists
What was growing up like for you?
Growing up was quite uneventful. I was a very bright student and that was mostly what my life revolved around. I didn’t start living till I got to the university and started drawing and painting.
What would you say has shaped you to be who you are today?
The people I met along the way, how they lived their lives and how they were able to achieve success has really influenced me greatly.
What philosophy do you live by?
It doesn’t matter how slowly you move as long as you do not stop.
How do you unwind?
I love watching movies a lot! I have also appeared in two movies. One of them is called ‘Symphony’ and it will be released September 9, 2022.
Why aren’t you following in the path of your counterparts who are seeking greener pastures outside the shores of the country?
I am going to be pursuing a residency outside the country in medicine and in art definitely, but this is just to gain the necessary skills to come back and help in building my country, Nigeria.
Do you think the Federal Government is to blame for the mass exodus of doctors and other medical personnel from the country?
The issue with healthcare in Nigeria is very complex. There are so many layers of neglect and incompetence, and it will take more than the Federal Government to solve this problem.
What new feat are you looking to conquer next?
My next feat is that I am setting up a permanent site for the world record drawing. It is such a huge artwork and it’s taking a whole village not just to make it but to create a site worthy of such a masterpiece. We have a team of engineers working day and night to get this ready. It will be set up at the Lagos free zone in about three months’ time.
