‘The fragility of peace’ is depicted in a giant new mural on the United Nations tower in Vienna
Australian artist Fintan Magee’s artwork in support of Sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the key of September Future Summit.
“This work looks at the human element in the role of the United Nations and the fragility of peace. Lasting stability can never be taken for granted and will always require continued diplomacy and human intervention.“, Mr. Magee said.
He emphasized: “Peace is always difficult work.”
The mural will be officially unveiled on Friday, where the Sydney-based street artist will talk about its creation process, motif, its connection to the city of Vienna and its significance to the district and its people.
The largest mural
Fintan Magee arrived in Austria on June 10 to begin the largest mural in Vienna’s history. The renowned street artist is known worldwide for his large-scale paintings, which often deal with social issues.
In particular, this project took about three weeks and included a tower with an area of nearly 1,000 square meters.
Mr. Magee hopes that this will remind us that “peace is fragile and humans are imperfect.”
Renowned Australian street artist Fintan Magee is hard at work on a mural at the Vienna International Centre.
The Art of Perception
The project is carried out in collaboration with the Calle Libre Arts Festival, the largest arts festival in Central Europe.
In today’s world, characterized by ongoing conflicts, refugees and migration, it is more important than ever to raise awareness of the need for a peaceful and sustainable future.
— Jakob Kattner
The formerly grey wall of the Vienna International Centre, home to the United Nations, is now a colourful piece of street art aimed at raising awareness about the pursuit of a sustainable peaceful future and the importance of art in public spaces.
“In today’s world, characterized by ongoing conflicts, refugees and migration, It is more important than ever to raise awareness of the need for a peaceful and sustainable futuresaid Director of Calle Libre Street Art Festival and Artistic Director of the project, Jakob Kattner.
Especially in Vienna, as an international center of art and culture, the effect of this work will be particularly noticeable and an important source of inspiration. The tower will be easily seen by thousands of people every day and about 1.6 million people every month.
Mr. Kattner added: “Implementing this project will not only bring an artistic contribution but also have social significance.”
Street artist Fintan Magee sits atop a cherry picker to create a mural at the Vienna International Centre.
SDGs and the Future Summit
The mural symbolizes the completion of 17 Sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.
It also promotes Summit of the Future this September aims to restore the multilateral system so that the world can deliver on its promise uncharted and the Sustainable Development Goals.
“As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Vienna International Center this year, We must seize this opportunity to reinvest in multilateralism. and build momentum for the United Nations Future Summit taking place in September in New York,” said Director-General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ghada Waly.
“We hope this work of art will be an inspiration to promote sustainability, understanding and peace around the world,” she added.
