Miquel Barceló, an artist from Majorcan, Spain, is the man who created (with workers, of course) this ravishing ceiling in a conference room at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in Geneva.
The New Human Rights and Alliance of Civilisations Chamber is so ravishing, in fact, that this art, which took two years to create, has been nicknamed the ‘21st Century Sistine Chapel.’
Normally, a work of this magnitude would be at the forefront of Internet buzz right now. However, overshadowing Barceló’s stunning achievement is its €25 million price tag--millions of which came directly from the coffers of UN funds meant to go to starving children throughout the world or other worthier causes.
Regardless of the United Nation’s irresponsible spending, Barceló’s work is amazing and it should be recognized.
The whole world is in financial turmoil. Unemployment is escalating, people with jobs are struggling to make ends meet, and homeless rates are on the rise. Doesn’t it make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside knowing that UN officials have such a nice, multi-million-euro room in which to sit and chat about how to solve the world’s economic crisis?
Photos 2-4: Agustí Torres/Onuart
€25M Conference Rooms
United Nation's 21st-Century Sistine Chapel
Trend Themes
1. Extravagant Conference Room Designs - There is a trend towards creating lavish and visually striking conference rooms, like the United Nation's 21st Century Sistine Chapel, to make a statement and enhance the overall experience.
2. Controversial Art Installations - Controversial art installations, such as Miquel Barceló's ceiling in the UN Headquarters, are gaining attention and sparking debates about the use of funds and priorities.
3. Criticism of Wasteful Spending - There is growing criticism and public outcry against organizations, like the United Nations, for perceived wasteful spending on extravagant projects instead of allocating funds to more pressing global issues.
Industry Implications
1. Interior Design - The interior design industry can explore innovative and unique concepts for conference room designs, offering clients visually stunning spaces that leave a lasting impression.
2. Art and Sculpture - The art and sculpture industry can capitalize on the trend of controversial installations, pushing boundaries and creating thought-provoking artworks that spark conversations and debates.
3. Social Activism - The social activism industry can leverage the public backlash against wasteful spending to advocate for more responsible allocation of funds towards pressing global issues, driving change and accountability.