For the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, the Swiss government donated to the UN in Geneva an eco-friendly ephemeral work of art spanning 6000 square meters on the grounds of the historic Palais des Nations. The work has been spray-painted with biodegradable materials on a grass lawn at the UN’s European headquarters by the French-born artists SAYPE (a contraction of “Say Peace”).
Entitled "World in Progress", the giant grass fresco shows two children building a circle of humans holding hands in nature, evoking the collective construction of a better future.
SAYPE, which is the nom d’art of 31-year old artist Guillaume Legros, had this to say:
“One of the things that I try to respect systematically is to approach problems in a positive and optimistic way, because I believe that we are constantly advancing in the direction we are looking at, and then I like to tell myself that the more I look at optimistic and positive things, the more we will ultimately go towards optimistic and positive things. Afterwards I organize a photo shoot, I work based on photos, I do sketches by hand, I mix a lot of things together and then I start in."
SAYPE creates monumental frescoes on grass and on the ground. He is the inventor of an eco-responsible paint composed of chalk and charcoal, and a recognized pioneer of an artistic movement linking “street art” to “land art”. A pioneer of the global contemporary art scene, his unique pieces can only be appreciated for a short time – then they disappear into nature without leaving any trace.
“Here is an artwork that represents two children who ultimately drew their ideal world, and then suddenly in this ideal world we see a human chain of people holding hands, but also animals -- because I think really, finally, ecology must also be at the center of our reflection on our connection to the world and to nature”.
His approach and his innovative technique earned him in 2019 the nomination by the magazine Forbes as one of the thirty most influential young people in the field of art and culture. His poetic and ephemeral works have influenced audiences around the world with a greater respect for nature.
"I strongly believe that it is together that humanity must respond to the different challenges it will have to overcome and this can be done only together”, he said.
“I believe that in the current world, that is hyper-connected, it won’t work to think that you can bury your head in the sand like an ostrich or to be closed. I really believe that the only solution is a common solution and that’s why I’m also very honored to be here at the UN because in the end this is what the UN means to me: a kind of a round table where we come to discuss major issues that humanity goes through. I firmly believe that it is a solution in itself, it is even a necessity. "
The symbol of the world of tomorrow seen by two children is to serve as a reminder to present generations of their duty towards those to come. In order not to lose sight of the bright ideal of peace and mutual aid between nations will go hand in hand with the preservation of the world environmental heritage. All these values are fundamental to the artist’s philosophy developed in recent years and form the core of the theme for this anniversary date.
“In the end, this artwork is a gift from Switzerland which will be represented by Mr. Cassis for the 75th anniversary of the UN and International Geneva. So it’s true, I’m very, very honored to represent Switzerland at this moment”, SAYPE said.
Speaking at a press conference to inaugurate the gift, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said that “No country can face problems alone. I am thinking especially of the current pandemic. We need a place where leaders and countries can come to discuss and resolve problems together. For us that place is the UN.”
During an official ceremony at the Ariana Park at the UN, the Director General of the United Nations in Geneva, Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, valued in her speech the work of the artist SAYPE. “Thank you SAYPE, for your respect for the environment while using nature as the canvass of your beautiful work. This artwork is not designed to last, but we must never forget that the impact of our actions can be long-lasting, not only on the environment but also on society.”
1
1
1
Edited News | OHCHR , UNOG
Israeli military operations in Lebanon continue to kill and injure civilians, and destroy civilian infrastructure, raising concerns regarding the protection of civilians, the UN Human Rights Office warned today.
1
1
1
Edited News | IOM , UNWOMEN , UNDP
Sudan: Aid teams report massive displacement after latest Darfur atrocity; women’s bodies ‘turned into battlegrounds’
In Sudan’s North Darfur, tens of thousands of people have fled a displacement camp following the massacre of civilians and aid workers as the country enters the third year of a conflict marked by horrific levels of sexual violence, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday.
1
1
1
Edited News | ITC
Global trade could shrink by three per cent as a result of the United States’ new tariff measures which in the longer term could reshape and boost as-yet untapped regional commercial links, a top UN economist confirmed on Friday.
1
1
1
Edited News | OHCHR , UNOG
Warring parties in Sudan are overseeing a wholesale assault on human rights amid global inaction, the UN Human Rights Office said on Friday, as the conflict is about to enter its third year.
1
1
1
Edited News | OHCHR , UNOG
The UN Human Rights Office on Friday said Israel’s increasing issuance of so-called “evacuation orders” for Palestinians in Gaza have resulted in their forcible transfer.
1
1
1
Edited News | OCHA , OHCHR , UNHCR , UNWOMEN , WFP , WHO
Two years of war in Sudan have created epic suffering, aid agencies say
Two years since Sudan’s brutal conflict began, UN agencies warned that famine is spreading and civilians of all ages continue to suffer shocking abuse, including rape and gang rape.
1
1
Edited News | UNMAS
In Gaza, ongoing Israeli military operations and the aid blockade have continued to add to daily fears and hardships confronting those in the devastated enclave, the UN Mine Action Service, UNMAS, said on Wednesday.
1
1
1
Edited News | UNDP
Dangers grow for Myanmar earthquake survivors, health system 'overwhelmed' - UNDP
In earthquake-shattered central Myanmar people are sleeping in the streets in fear of buildings collapsing, facing early monsoon rains and the risk of waterborne diseases, the UN Development Programme warned on Tuesday.
1
1
1
Edited News | ICRC , OHCHR , UNHCR
Myanmar’s military has continued to launch airstrikes and other attacks against opposition forces in the devastated country, one week since a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck and despite announcing a ceasefire, UN human rights chief Volker Türk said on Friday.
1
1
1
Edited News | OHCHR
UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif on Tuesday presented a report on the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, detailing the continued violations of human rights as a result of the offensive launched by the Rwandan-backed M23 in eastern DRC.
1
1
1
Edited News | OCHA , UNICEF , IFRC
UN humanitarians and partners on Tuesday expressed deep shock at the killing of 15 colleagues on duty in southern Gaza whose remains were recovered from a shallow grave after a week-long rescue operation, noting that one worker is still missing.
1
1
1
Edited News | UNICEF , OCHA , WHO , UNHCR
Myanmar earthquake latest: window for lifesaving support is closing, say UN humanitarians
As the death toll continues to rise in earthquake-struck Myanmar, UN humanitarians have been rushing to support severely deprived and traumatized victims, warning that the window for lifesaving response is closing.