Warwick student attempts to break Guinness World Record

University of Warwick student Jahnavi Maganti has made an authorised attempt to break a Guinness World Record for creating the largest painting by foot, after producing a 140-square metre painting using only her feet. Her work is believed to be the largest ever piece of art of its kind, which would smash the previous record of 100 square metres.

The world record attempt, which saw Jahnavi paint three red roses and their leaves by holding a paintbrush between her toes, took place on December 29 and was observed by three witnesses.

Jahnavi, who is from Hyderabad in India, is currently in her first year studying Economics and Industrial Organisation. She has danced since she was a child, and discovered her talent for dancing and painting just four months before starting university. The idea came to her whilst she was listening to music and painting, leading to her decision to combine the two.

Speaking to The Boar, she revealed: “It was then that I got the idea – why not paint with my feet while dancing? I always loved painting and dancing, but I was really excited to do both of them together at the same time.”

After fulfilling the idea, she released videos of herself painting with her feet whilst dancing on Facebook and YouTube and received a very positive response, prompting her world record attempt.

She comments: “With the appreciation, I decided to explore it further and began researching to see if anyone else had done it before and realised that no one had tried to paint still life with their feet. It was during this that I had stumbled upon the Guinness website and was surprised to see no one attempt this record in recent times and my love for creativity immediately got me to apply for the record.”

“Usually people have misconceptions regarding art and its fluidity. Everyone assumes that painting and dancing are ‘mutually exclusive’ but I wanted to shatter that notion. I want people to explore fusions of art forms and play with creativity.”

She adds: “I truly enjoyed the entire process, from being in touch with the Guinness Records Manager to painting with my foot on the day of the attempt.”

She also cited the recognition from India’s press and her family’s support as highlights of the experience, describing herself as “so humbled by the love being showered on me”.

While it is difficult for Jahnavi to practise her unique talent at Warwick, due to a lack of access to such large canvases, she is able to choreograph routines and continues to exert her creativity by painting in the traditional way and by dancing in Warwick’s Bollywood Dance society.

By March she will know if she is set to feature in 2019’s Guinness Book of World Records, which will be published in September.