A new 11,000 square metre âephemeral frescoâ created by Swiss artist Saype, has set the stage at UN Headquarters in New York, to welcome world leaders for the General Assembly High Level Week. It shows two children building the world of the future using origami, highlighting the participation of young people.
âWorld in Progress II is perfectly suited to our time and place. First, it is, in all senses, a big picture. Both its execution and its subject are monumental and ambitious. We have to take several steps back, just to view it in its entirety. Then we understand that it shows two children, designing their ideal world togetherâ, said on Saturday UN Secretary General during the unveiling ceremony.
Antonio Guterres explained that, just like the artwork, the United Nationsâ mission extends far beyond what we can see around us. âMost of it lies out of our view. Our work is multilateral, and multi-generational. And each of us plays an essential part in creating the wholeâ, he added.
Earth-friendly art
Guillaume Legros, or âSaypeâ, an artist name inspired by the contraction of the words âsayâ and âpeaceâ, is famous for its invention of an eco-friendly painting process. His special technique allows him to create huge frescoes directly on the grass.
âIn two weeks, there will be nothing left due to the regrowth of the grass. This makes the work disappear, even more than the rainâ, he explained to UN News, adding that he spent more than a year finding the right pigments for his ephemeral art.
Saype had already shared one of his creations at UN premises before. Last year, World in Progress I was unveiled during the commemoration of the UNâs 75th anniversary in Geneva, Switzerland.
âIn the centre, there is a dove that symbolizes peace. The basic idea is that on the one hand when talking about children, we ask ourselves what responsibility we have towards them. But, on the other hand, they are the ones who will have the world of tomorrow in their hands. This means that we must really learn to live together in a world that is also hyper-connectedâ, he said.
A call to world leaders
For the UN chief, the children depicted in World in Progress II are designing our shared future.
âThis yearâs General Debate will take up this theme, focusing on the world we are building together. My recent report on Our Common Agenda recommends new ways for todayâs decision-makers to better serve both young people, and future generationsâ.
Mr. Guterres said he was hopeful that world leaders will take inspiration from Saypeâs art to consider how âwe can look beyond our immediate surroundings, while respecting nature and our planetâ.
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