The world’s largest portrait of Diana, Princess of Wales will be unveiled on the streets of Islington as part of a one-day street art festival organised by Moso Arthouse, a local artist-run gallery.
The painting “Diana 36 times” was painted a day after her death in 1997 and took 12 days for artist, Rush Ounvises to complete. It had previously been shown and kept in the Islington Museum for two years and will be exhibited for the first time in a public art exhibition on the ground floor of the N1 Centre on Saturday 7th April 2007 from 9 am to 6 pm.
“We are hoping to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her death by showing this wonderful piece directly to the public after it had been hidden for almost a decade. This impressive piece of Pop-Art deserves to be seen by everyone. It is a landmark tribute to one of the world’s most loved British icons. We are also looking for a new permanent home for her, as our gallery is simply too small to accommodate its sheer size.” said Anni Meldrum, Moso Arthouse’s Director.
A 32 year old Thai artist, who has lived in London for over ten years, Rush describes his work as “…an absolute tribute to an absolute icon.” One of his works was recently included in a collection of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand, who is equally well-loved in his native country.
The colourful 36 portraits were intended to equal each year of her life and measured 3.6 metres by 1.2 metres. It is believed to be the world’s largest portrait of the late Princess. Moso’s Street Art Festival is open on Saturday 7th April from 9.30 am. – 6.30 pm. on the ground floor of the N1 Centre, Islington, London. The painting “Diana 36 times” will later be shown at Moso Arthouse until 7th May 2007.