presents
from June 30, 2021 to December 31, 2024
Two Urban Canvases at the United Nations Office at Geneva to Embody one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals
Since 2018, Collectif 1m83 has been inviting contemporary photographers to exhibit their work in public spaces in an effort to show passers-by the interaction between nature, art and architecture.
Each “urban canvas” is inspired by the history of the place and its environment, fusing together, during the period of renovation, a building with a piece of art.
For its third showcase, 1m83 is partnering with the United Nations Office at Geneva to present a display within the grounds of the Palais des Nations.
Registration for guided tours
1m83 and UN Geneva invite you to enjoy a unique experience at the Palais des Nations. The tour is free! Registration is open via the sign up button. Please note the code to be entered for each specific visit.
Tuesday August 29 (11am-12.30pm)
Tour code: 182501968
Thursday August 31st (11am-12.30pm)
Visit code: 182502322
Tuesday, September 12 (11am-12.30pm)
Visit code: 182696732
The artwork
Two giant canvases cover the façade of Tempus, a temporary building constructed to host international conferences during the renovation of the historic Palais des Nations. The display shows a collage of five fascinating images of birds taken in the heart of the city by Yoshinori Mizutani, a well-known young Japanese photographer.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Ariana Park and by the symbolism of the place, this huge installation embodies the 17th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), which aims to strengthen partnerships between governments, civil society and the private sector, among others, to achieve the 17 SDGs.
L’oiseau bleu, which can be seen by inhabitants of Geneva as well as visiting delegations from around the world, is an invitation to take a contemplative break, to better observe the world around us, and then to move forward together. On the north façade, inside the site, the birds in their initial solitude call for individual reflection and introspection. On the south wall, overlooking the city and the Place des Nations, their coordinated and powerful leap reflects the importance of unifying and acting together for a more sustainable future.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership.
They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.
The artist
Yoshinori Mizutani (Japan, 1987) lives and works in Tokyo. He studied at the Tokyo College of Photography as well as at the Nihon University College of Economics. It is after having completed the Tokyo Parrots series (2013) – from which these photos are taken – that Mr. Mizutani gained recognition on the international scene, where he received numerous awards and was invited to present his works in various countries. The artist is represented by the IMA gallery in Tokyo and the IBASHO gallery in Antwerp, as well as by the Christophe Guye gallery in Zurich. To date, he has published four books, including Tokyo Parrots (2014).
The artistic project of L'oiseau bleu was realized in collaboration with the curator Nathalie Herschdorfer, art historian specialized in photography.
Tempus, a temporary infrastructure for international conferences
From 2020 to 2024, the Palais des Nations in Geneva will be completely renovated as part of the Strategic Heritage Plan (SPP) approved by the UN General Assembly in 2015.
During this work, a temporary infrastructure - Tempus - will be made available to host international conferences and meetings.
Located parallel to the Allée des Drapeaux and set against the green backdrop of Ariana Park, the flexible space of the new facility is divided into three rooms with 200 seats each.
This demountable structure proved to be the most appropriate solution to preserve sufficient space and ensure continuity of operations during the renovation of the historic building.
Exhibition produced with
Thanks to the valuable support of
With the contribution of
