'Hidden museum' showcases UN's idealsーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

UN Headquarters Art Collection: A diverse collection of over 240 artworks donated by member states, serving as a "hidden museum" that creatively expresses the UN's ideals.
Art as a Symbol of Peace and Ideals: Many artworks are gifted as memorials to peace, to commemorate treaties, or to advocate for the UN's mission.
Picasso's Guernica Tapestry: A copper replica of Picasso's iconic painting, gifted by Turkey, representing the horrors of war and the world's oldest known peace treaty.
Sculpture of St. George and the Dragon: Made from actual missiles, this sculpture symbolizes peace and marks the signing of a nuclear treaty.
Exceptions to Political Leader Statues: While generally avoided, statues of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi are exceptions due to their significant roles in fighting oppression and promoting nonviolence.
Czech Republic's "Herbarium" Installation: A new artwork showcasing traditional Bohemian glassmaking and symbolizing environmental preservation, created by artist Maria Chulenova Hostinova.
"Herbarium" Concept: The artwork uses hot glass to capture imprints of plants and flowers, creating "glass fossils" to encourage future generations to protect nature.
Symbolism of Glass: The fragility yet strength of glass mirrors the complexity and resilience of human personalities dedicated to protecting the planet.
Evolution of Art Themes at the UN: Art from the Cold War era often focused on nuclear disarmament, while current works increasingly address environmental concerns.
Portinari's Murals: "War" and "Peace": Two contrasting murals by Brazilian painter Candido Portinari, displayed at the entrance of the General Assembly Hall, to remind world leaders of the suffering of war and the joy of peace.
UN Art Tours: Guided tours are available for the public to view the artwork, with an online guide also provided.

Art as a Reflection of UN Ideals and Global Issues

The United Nations headquarters in New York is adorned with a significant collection of over 240 artworks, transforming the building into a "hidden museum." These pieces, largely donated by member states, are not merely decorative but serve as powerful visual representations of the UN's core ideals and mission.

Memorials to Peace and Historical Significance

Marc Chagall's Stained Glass Window: Donated in the early 1960s, this piece functions as a living memorial to those who sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of peace.
Picasso's Guernica Tapestry: A copper replica of Pablo Picasso's 1937 painting, gifted by Turkey, depicts the devastating impact of war. Notably, it is a replica of a work that itself is a response to the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War. The tapestry also commemorates the world's oldest known peace treaty, signed by the Hittites and Egyptians.
Sculpture of St. George Slaying a Dragon: This striking sculpture, crafted from decommissioned missiles, was donated by the former Soviet Union. It stands as a monument to peace and specifically marks the signing of a nuclear treaty with the United States in 1987, symbolizing the transformation of instruments of war into symbols of peace.

Navigating Political Sensitivities in Art Donations

The UN has a policy regarding the acceptance of art gifts, emphasizing that they must be acceptable to all member states. This principle explains why depictions of individual historical figures are generally not accepted. However, there are notable exceptions:

Nelson Mandela: The former President of South Africa, recognized for his anti-apartheid activism.
Mahatma Gandhi: The leader of India's independence movement and a global icon of nonviolent resistance.

These exceptions highlight figures whose legacies are broadly recognized for their contributions to peace and human rights, transcending specific national or political divides.

Contemporary Art Addressing Current Global Challenges

In the current geopolitical climate, where multilateralism and sustainable development—key UN focuses—have faced challenges, the UN continues to receive art that reflects contemporary issues.

Czech Republic's "Herbarium" Installation: This recent donation from the Czech Republic showcases traditional Bohemian glassmaking techniques. The artist, Maria Chulenova Hostinova, designed the piece with a dual focus: celebrating Czech glassmaking heritage and addressing environmental preservation.
- Concept: The installation aims to create "glass fossils" by using hot glass to capture imprints of plants and flowers. This serves as a tangible reminder for future generations to protect nature.
- Symbolism: Chulenova draws parallels between glass and the global environment, noting that both appear fragile yet possess immense strength and complexity. This symbolizes resilient human personalities dedicated to safeguarding the planet.
- Artist's Statement: Maria Chulenova Hostinova stated, "The concept behind this installation is of course it's a lot about Czech glass making and history but also the connection with herbarium which is a lot about preserving nature and environment. We want to create a glass fossil which the next generation can you know look at it and can think of a nature that they want to protect it."

Thematic Evolution of UN Art

The art displayed at the UN headquarters reflects the historical context in which it was created.

Cold War Era: Art from this period often promoted nuclear disarmament, with themes directly related to the threat of nuclear missiles.
Current Works: Contemporary pieces, like the "Herbarium" installation, increasingly address environmental concerns, aligning with the UN's current priorities.

Art as a Tool for Awareness and Reflection

The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, is often seen near significant artworks, underscoring their importance. The art collection serves to:

Highlight Diversity: The diverse range of art showcases the richness, variety, and cultural heritage of the UN's member states.
Promote Common Good: Despite their diverse origins, these artworks converge at the UN headquarters to serve a common purpose.
Educate and Inspire: The art aims to remind world leaders of the UN's mission and the importance of its work.

Portinari's Murals: A Powerful Juxtaposition

At the entrance to the General Assembly Hall, two murals by Brazilian painter Candido Portinari offer a stark contrast:

"War" (1950s): This mural uses dark tones to vividly depict the suffering and anguish of war, showing women mourning their lost children and pleading for an end to conflict.
"Peace" (1950s): A matching mural, displayed where leaders exit, uses warm and bright colors to portray children rejoicing, symbolizing the positive outcome of peace.

These murals are strategically placed to confront world leaders with the consequences of conflict and the aspirations for peace.

Public Access to UN Art

The UN facilitates public engagement with its art collection through:

Guided Art Tours: These tours are available for a fee.
Online Guide: The UN provides a detailed online guide for those unable to visit in person.

Conclusion

The art collection at the UN headquarters is more than just an aesthetic addition; it is an integral part of the institution's identity. It serves as a constant reminder of the UN's founding principles, its historical journey, and its ongoing commitment to peace, multilateralism, and addressing global challenges. In a time of increasing international tension, these artworks offer a powerful visual narrative, aiming to raise awareness and inspire action towards a more peaceful and sustainable future.