The 100cm x 100cm lenticular painting of the football great is a mixed media artwork that shows both a younger and current Messi, depending on where the viewer stands. Pics: Marivie Alabanza / The Peninsula
Doha: As Lionel Messi celebrates his 38th birthday, a long-time fan and artist based in Qatar has decided it’s time the world sees a special tribute once more, especially for those who may have missed it the first time.
Filipino artist Michael Conjusta is known in the Qatar art scene not only for his vibrant murals and award-winning exhibitions but also for his deep admiration for Argentina’s football superstar. And to mark Messi’s birthday week, Conjusta has once again brought to light a unique piece of art he created in honour of the football icon.
The 100cm x 100cm lenticular painting of the football great is a mixed media artwork that shows both a younger and current Messi, depending on where the viewer stands.
“When you look at it from the left, you see a young Messi. But as you move to the right, the image transitions into the present-day Messi. It’s like watching time move with you," Conjusta told The Peninsula.
"Some people haven’t seen this artwork yet, and I want them to experience this tribute, especially now during Messi's birthday week. I felt like it's the right time to show it again,” he said.
Conjusta created the artwork in November 2022 during the Qatar International Art Festival, in preparation for the FIFA World Cup. The process, he said, was one of the most technically challenging he’s done, as it involves layers of precision-aligned images that shift with movement.
“Lenticular art isn’t like ordinary painting. It takes more time and more accuracy, but when it’s someone you admire this much, it becomes more fun than sweat,” he said with a smile.
For Conjusta, there’s no doubt about who holds the title of 'greatest of all time.' “Many would agree that Messi is the GOAT,” he said. “Winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup and his record eighth Ballon d’Or only sealed it. He’s still the best playmaker in the world.”
Living in Qatar for the past 27 years, Conjusta has literally painted his way through the country’s evolving landscape. He has created at least 22 murals during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and more during the AFC Asian Cup, adding bursts of colour and culture to stadiums and public spaces.
Michael Conjusta (extreme left) at the ongoing Sinag Digital Media's charcoal painting workshop.
Conjusta also conducts workshops for adults and children, most recently in collaboration with Sinag Digital Media, where he’s teaching charcoal painting to young students on their school break.
“It’s a good time to let them explore and grow creatively. We’ll even be putting their work on exhibition in August. My dream is to see them shine in the art world one day too,” he told The Peninsula.
While he continues to work across genres, from murals to interior design and even make-up artistry, it’s moments like this tribute to Messi that hold a special place in his heart.
“Football is more than a sport, it’s an art. And for me, Messi is its finest masterpiece," Conjusta said with two thumbs up!
