In a stunning fusion of art and advocacy, Iraqi dentist and artist Redha Salim has created the world’s largest pin and thread artwork with multiple threads, sending a powerful message against racism. The monumental piece, which measures 13.3 m² (142 ft²), is roughly the size of 350 Apple iPads laid out together and has been officially verified by Guinness World Records.
The subject of the intricate artwork is none other than Brazilian professional footballer Vinícius Júnior, a star forward for Real Madrid who has been a vocal opponent of racial abuse in the sport. The choice of subject was a deliberate one. Salim, who is 27, wanted to use his art as a tool to promote a global conversation about racism. “I want to share a message with the world through my art, we all must reject racism and try our best to eliminate it,” Salim said.
The record-breaking piece is the culmination of a six-year artistic journey for Salim, who found a passion for thread art during his final year of university. He saw a similarity between the precision required in dentistry and the meticulous nature of creating art with pins and threads. He progressed from creating simple geometric designs and names to crafting complex portraits with colored threads.
Salim’s artwork surpasses the previous record for the largest pin and thread art with multiple threads, which was set by fellow Iraqi artist Saeed Hwaidi in 2022. The accomplishment is a testament to Salim’s dedication and hard work, and he hopes it will inspire others to find their own unique way to contribute to a better world.
