Olivea Lawson, a 27-year-old visual artist from Bonny Island, Rivers State, has launched a bold bid to break the Guinness World Record for the longest painting marathon — a staggering 150-hour nonstop Paint-A-Thon that began on July 21 and is set to conclude by July 27, 2025.
Working tirelessly around the clock, Lawson, popularly known as Holiveah, is not just chasing global fame but using the moment to spotlight African resilience, Nigerian heritage, and the strength of female creativity. Her attempt has transformed her makeshift studio in Port Harcourt into a living gallery of culture, with new artworks unveiled every few hours.
The current Guinness record stands at 120 hours, achieved by Roland Palmaerts in 2013. If successful, Holiveah’s feat will eclipse that milestone by 30 full hours, placing her name firmly in the international art and endurance hall of fame.
Support has poured in from cultural organisations, influencers, and youth-focused groups across Nigeria. Artists, tourists, and fans have also taken to social media and the venue itself to cheer her on — with hashtags like #Holiveah150, #PaintForAfrica, and #GWRNigeria trending online throughout the week.
According to the artist, the Paint-A-Thon is more than a record bid. “I’m using every stroke to tell our stories — the struggle, the triumph, the beauty of who we are. This is a voice for youth, especially young women, to dare the world and express themselves unapologetically,” she told reporters.
Each piece created during the marathon reflects themes of cultural pride, female empowerment, and Afro-futurism. Her paintings incorporate bold traditional motifs, environmental symbolism, and vibrant palettes that echo the richness of Nigeria’s artistic legacy.
As the countdown continues to her July 27 finish line, Guinness World Record officials are expected to begin official verifications soon. If confirmed, Olivea Lawson could become the first African woman to hold the global record for the longest painting session — a historic triumph for both art and representation.
