Chancellor Ahaghotu, a sophomore at the Savannah College of Art and Design, has made headlines globally by breaking a decade-old Guinness World Record for the longest painting marathon.
The ambitious artist surpassed the previous record of 60 hours, set in 2013, with an impressive 100 consecutive hours of painting.
Ahaghotu, a Nigerian native studying art and design, expressed his aspirations before the attempt, stating, “I came to the United States to pursue my dreams and build up my career as a recognized artist. Breaking the record will boost my recognition as an artist both in my school and the world at large.”
Guinness World Records confirmed the achievement in a statement on Wednesday, highlighting that the artist far exceeded the previous milestone, held by Roland Palmaerts from Belgium/Canada.
The rules stipulated that the paintings must be of a recognizable image, forbidding abstract creations.
Undeterred, Ahaghotu spent four days creating 106 pieces that showcased a diverse range of subjects, including celebrities, food items, plants, animals, and more.
At the 60th hour, having already surpassed the previous record, Ahaghotu painted a broken record player, symbolizing the achievement.
Reflecting on his work, Ahaghotu explained, “One thing I love about the paintings I created is that they were representing my different moods and how I was feeling when I created them.”
Throughout the marathon, the artist faced challenges, battling fatigue around the 88-hour mark. However, determined to achieve his goal, he pressed on without considering calling an end to the record attempt.
The Guinness World Records regulations allowed a five-minute rest break for every continuous hour of activity, which Ahaghotu used for essential needs like bathroom breaks, eating, and sleeping.
Initially planning one painting per hour, Ahaghotu prepared 100 canvases with sketches.
Surpassing his own expectations, he completed them with hours to spare, leading him to produce a series of impromptu still-life paintings. The marathon concluded with a poignant painting of an exhausted figure.
Ahaghotu expressed his joy at completing the 100 hours, stating, “It was a new experience for me, and I’m so glad I completed the 100 hours. This [record] helps me feel a very high level of personal achievement, build up my career as a reputable artist, and pay service to my school and country.”
The extraordinary accomplishment not only establishes Ahaghotu as a record-breaking artist but also underscores the dedication and perseverance required to leave an indelible mark on the art world.