In 2020, the 61.49m² portrait of the founding father of the United Arab Emirates was recognized as the largest professional oil painting by a single artist
Like any expat coming to the UAE for the first time, Sarans KK from Kerala was also fascinated by the rich history, traditions and modern way of life of this multicultural country.
The more he traveled through the emirates, the more the thirty-something was seduced and inspired by the visionary leadership of the UAE. And since 2018, he has drawn several paintings, mainly portraits of the leaders of the United Arab Emirates. Two of his paintings entered the Guinness World Records.
On Friday, marking the 104th anniversary of the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, he unveiled a massive portrait of the founding father of the United Arab Emirates. In 2020, the 61.49 m² room entered the record books as “the largest professional oil painting by a single artist”. However, with the Covid-19 situation, he held back on a public display of the artwork.
“In 2018, I came here for the first time as a visitor. I have traveled to different emirates. I learned about the diversity of culture, Bedouin life, the unification of seven emirates, from pearl fishing to oil exploration, and how the country developed into a stable and secure nation with over 200 nationalities , including millions from India and a majority from me. the state of Kerala,” he said. Khaleej times while broadcasting the first photos of the portrait.
“All of this was achieved under the remarkable leadership of Sheikh Zayed. His legacy will always live on in the hearts and minds of generations. So, when I returned home to Kerala, I decided to make his portrait a humble tribute .”
When the 28.58 x 23.16ft artwork reached Guinness World Records, Sarans was unable to exhibit the portrait in the United Arab Emirates due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. But he says he is proud to have unveiled it on Sheikh Zayed’s 104th birthday.
“I hope this board can be safely installed in a suitable place with the support of local authorities,” he said. Watch Sarans paint the portrait below:
Based in Abu Dhabi, Sarans attempts to exhibit the portrait, as well as other works, here and in Dubai. All these works have been carefully preserved at his home. Recently, he also made a large painting on canvas tracing the journey of the United Arab Emirates in recent years and its glorious achievements.
Last year, it burst into the record books again with a 166m² portrait of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the Emirates Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.
Currently, the latest portrait of three leaders holds the world record under the title of “largest professional oil painting by a single artist”.
During the Indian Republic Day cultural event held at the Social and Cultural Center of India, Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to UAE and Yusuffali MA, President of ISC and Chairman and CEO of the Lulu Group, presented a keepsake of appreciation to Sarans.
Back in Kerala, he had worked as an art teacher for 14 years and completed several large-scale projects including the Hindu deity Krishna mural, among others.
“I used to run my own art academy in Kerala. I had to stop it because making such paintings is an expensive job and I had to face financial constraints. I want to open an art academy here. I am open to collaborations with like-minded people and entities. I also hope to get the coveted UAE Golden Visa,” he added.
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