A Nigerian woman Lola Mewu has broken the Guinness World Record for the longest time spent painting, clocking in at 72 hours. She surpassed the previous record of 60 hours, set by Roland Palmerts of France in 2013.
Mewu began painting on Saturday, October 28, 2023, and continued until Tuesday, October 31. She created a variety of artworks during her marathon, including many that feature nostalgic childhood scenes. Some of her paintings have already been auctioned off.
The Nigerian visual artist Oyinlola Odemewu, also known as Lola Mewu’s remarkable achievement captured the awe and admiration of art enthusiasts nationwide.
As the clock started ticking, Lola’s creative genius took flight, captivating onlookers with her exceptional artworks. They included masterpieces titled “One Touch,” “Pemi Pada Owonromi,” and “Ejire Ara Isokun.”
Surrounded by a supportive community of friends, family, and fellow Nigerians, Lola persevered, painting her way into history.
Lola’s triumph reached its zenith after 72 hours, surpassing Palmaerts’ previous record. At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Lola’s accomplishment became a beacon of inspiration, illuminating the path for aspiring artists nationwide.
Palmaerts, in October 2013, was certified as the Guinness World Record holder for the longest painting time by an individual following a marathon painting exercise from October 3-5 2013 in Arches, France.
Undeterred by her victory, Lola continued her painting marathon, further extending it to an impressive 82 hours, a milestone she achieved by 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 1st, 2023.
Her achievement further proves the boundless potential of Nigerian talent, inspiring generations to come. In a year that saw remarkable accomplishments by fellow Nigerians Philip Solomon and celebrity chef Hilda Baci, Lola Mewu’s triumph adds another illustrious chapter to Nigeria’s legacy of excellence.
In May 2023, Philip Solomon, a 17-year-old pupil from Oyemekun Grammar School in Akure, Ondo State, set a record for the most skips on one foot in 30 seconds. He outdid the previous record holder, Rasel Islam of Bangladesh, with an impressive feat of 153 skips in January 2023.
Celebrity chef Hilda Baci made headlines in June 2023 when she broke the record for the longest cooking marathon. During the event, which took place from May 11 to 15, Baci cooked continuously for an astounding 93 hours and 11 minutes, preparing over 100 pots of food.
Lola’s achievement not only highlights her talent as an artist but also showcases the resilience and determination of Nigerian individuals in pursuing excellence on the global stage. Her accomplishment will undoubtedly inspire aspiring artists and creatives across the nation, encouraging them to pursue their passions and dreams with unwavering dedication.
