Photos: Nigerian Visual Artist Eyes Guinness World Record Attempt with 150-Hour Paint-A-Thon

A young Nigerian visual artist, Olivea Lawson, popularly known as Holiveah, has commenced a bold attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the Longest Marathon Painting by an Individual with a 150-hour non-stop artistic session tagged Paint-A-Thon.

 

The week-long event, which began on Sunday, July 21, is currently underway in Bonny Island, Rivers State, and is expected to run uninterrupted until Saturday, July 27, 2025.

 

As of the time of filing this report, the Rivers-born artist has surpassed the 90-hour mark and continues to paint in her bid to make history.

Holiveah, whose attempt has drawn the attention of art lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and tourists from within and outside Nigeria, described the event as a platform to not only chase personal ambition but to inspire others—especially young women.

“This is about empowering youth, especially women, and showing that with talent and consistency, we can achieve global recognition,” she said.

The ongoing Paint-A-Thon is also serving as a cultural showcase, with Holiveah creating artworks that celebrate hope, resilience, and African pride. Each brushstroke reflects Nigeria’s diverse heritage, rich colors, and enduring spirit.

Observers say the initiative goes beyond art, aiming to spotlight Bonny Island as a budding creative and tourism hub in Nigeria’s South-South region. Supporters believe it could open doors to local and international collaborations in the cultural and economic sectors.

 

“This is more than a world record bid,” one of her supporters noted. “It’s a movement of hope, art, and African excellence.”

If successful, Holiveah will surpass the current record for the longest continuous painting session by an individual, a feat that would place her and Nigeria firmly in the global spotlight.