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About the
show
All
the pieces in the show are large installations based on the theme
of rebuilding societies torn by conflict, war, and poverty. Some
of the multimedia works focus on the turmoil and angst which emerge
not only from whole societies but from the inner self in struggle.
Other pieces show the triumph over strife and the beauty and poetry
that arise out of the ashes of conflict, the regeneration. Each
piece is accompanied by a brief statement explaining the artist’s
thoughts in creating the artwork in the show which range in expression
from wholly conceptual and abstract forms and color to figurative
and representational images.
It is not common for the UN to have such an exhibit, in fact,
it is probably the first time that artists have organized such
a show at the UN which usually has displays mounted by UN departments
or agencies. In this case, the show is sponsored by the Academic
Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS) and the Office of
the UN Assistant Secretary-General for External Relations, Ms.
Gillian Sorensen, in conjunction with a conference taking place
at the UN in June with the same theme. Ms. Sorensen has launched
a number of efforts of this kind to involve civil society in the
workings of the UN. The conference, the ACUNS Annual Meeting,
will hold a number of panel discussions led by scholars and practitioners
who are experts on the activities of the United Nations as well
as other international organizations. The purpose is to create
a closer relationship among those who study and support the UN
and international cooperation and those who work with international
crises on a daily basis within the UN system. All the artists
in the show strongly support the ideals of international cooperation
embodied in the foundation of the United Nations and are pleased
that the UN has reached out to them in an effort to build stronger
ties with civil society. Through these artists we can see our
own turmoils and triumphs as we try to cope with a changing world
and make sense of it.
For more information
contact:
Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS)
Tel.: (203) 432 6512
or E-mail: UNartexhibition1999
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