Meet the Artist Who Created the World's Biggest Mahatma Gandhi Portrait—With Just Pins & Thread

Mahatma Gandhi Pin and Thread Art (Image: Guinness World Records)

Indian artist Sreekanth Sukumaran has set a new world record by creating the largest pin and thread art, a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

Measuring an impressive 23.67 m² (254 ft²), the massive artwork is roughly the size of one-and-a-half parking spaces, showcasing the iconic face of India's "Father of the Nation" in intricate detail.

Sukumaran, a skilled artist since his school days, took on the challenge after encouragement from friends and family to attempt a world record. In November 2024, he crafted the piece over nine continuous hours, with spectators watching as Gandhi’s likeness emerged thread by thread.

The process involved wrapping threads around pins in precise patterns, creating overlapping layers that gradually formed the beloved leader’s portrait. The result is a stunning testament to Sukumaran’s precision, patience, and artistic vision.

Mahatma Gandhi, born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869–1948), remains a popular figure in India, with his birthday celebrated as a national holiday. Over the years, several record-breaking tributes have honored his legacy:

Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Gandhi (2018) – 4,772 participants in Nalgonda, Telangana, organized by Ghulam Nabi Azad and Rajender Reddy Gunna.

Largest Collection of Gandhi Stamps – Rajeshkumar Thakkar owns 1,604 stamps featuring Gandhi’s image.

Sukumaran’s pin and thread masterpiece now joins these remarkable achievements, further cementing Gandhi’s enduring influence in art and culture.