Palais des Nations artwork goes to town

For the first time in the history of the Palais des Nations, a part of its art collection is being publicly exhibited in an art gallery in Geneva.

Organized for the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations and the one-hundredth anniversary of multilateralism in Geneva, the exhibition, “A whole world – the art of the Palais des Nations comes to town”, is a vibrant tribute to the role of art in multilateral diplomacy and a celebration of the Palais des Nations’ exceptional art collection, acquired over a century of multilateral history.

For the inhabitants of Geneva who have not yet been able to visit the Palais des Nations, the exhibition showcases some 30 pieces from the vast collection of more than 2,000 works of art acquired over the years and since 1936, when the Palais des Nations was still the seat of the League of Nations.

“The people of Geneva deserve to see the art that the Palais des Nations contains,” said Victoria Dzodziev, Director of the D10 gallery in Geneva, who is delighted to host this unique exhibition. 

Tatiana Valovaya, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, believes it is symbolic to hold this first public exhibition in Geneva, the city that has hosted the United Nations and many other international organizations for decades, particularly during the Organization’s seventy-fifth anniversary.

“This is a fantastic occasion to talk at this difficult time about the need for multilateral cooperation, why we all need the United Nations, why we need to work together, why we share the same values,” said Ms. Valovaya at the opening of the exhibition.  “I really hope this is the beginning of a new phase in showing our art and the importance of art in international affairs, in building trust and understanding between nations.”

Masterpieces

The exhibition includes portraits, sculptures and paintings offered to the League of Nations and the Palais des Nations by Member States, foundations and individual artists.

The comprehensive collection is an ode to peace, respect and diversity. Each piece is unique and the entire exhibition traces multiple cultural influences. Some artists speak of their hope for a better world and invite humanist thoughts, exploring human rights and contemporary problems.

One example is an imposing painting called “Pax” by the Italian artist Mimmo Rotella, who is known for his “collage” works of art created from torn advertising posters. In this piece, created in 2004 and offered a year later to the United Nations for the Organization’s sixtieth anniversary, the word “pax” and a white dove, the symbol of peace, are at the heart of the large painting.

Another centrepiece of the exhibition is a panel of the work “From obscurity to light” by the German artist Gunther Uecker, created in 1978. This panel projects a circular shape entirely made of nails and celebrates the role of light in science, culture and art, education and sustainable development.      

Genevans are invited to dive into the Palais des Nations’ history and discover the richness of its art collection by visiting the exhibition until 31 August. A virtual tour of the exhibition, containing testimonies from personalities associated with the themes of the works of art, is also possible on the gallery’s website. 

The exhibition is organized by the United Nations Office at Geneva, in collaboration with the LIAN foundation and the D10 Art Space gallery in Geneva. It is also supported by the Permanent Missions of Germany, Italy, Russia, Kazakhstan and Iceland to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

From 24 June to 31 August 2020 at D10 Art Space Geneva, Ami-Lullin 6, 1207, Geneva. Free admission.