room XX by miquel barceló – the spanish artist’s colourful …

on november 18th, the spanish government officially presented miquel barcels latest art installation in the UNs palace of nations in geneva. the controversial work of art is a massive sculptural installation located on the domed ceiling of the buildings newly created human rights and alliance of civilizations chamber. the work consists of multi-coloured stalactite forms that appear to be dripping from the ceiling. however controversy over how the work was paid for has overshadowed its artistic significance.

the project was introduced by the spanish organization ONUART, which was established in 2007 to promote dialogue, through the use of spanish contemporary arts to create understanding between cultures and societies and to foster multilateralism at the UN in geneva. ONUART is a non-profit organization that receives public and private funding. ONUART commissioned miquel barcel to create the ceiling painting and paid for much of its cost. barcel began installing the piece in september 2007.

inspiration miquel barcels work often features natural elements and imagery but the chambers ceiling takes this idea literally by recreating the natural stalactite forms, albeit through the artists lens. barcel has revealed that the concept for the project came to him while he was in africa. at the unveiling barcel explained, on a day of immense heat in the middle of the sahel desert, I recall with vivacity the mirage of an image of the world dripping toward the sky. the vivid idea later took shape as he planned out the work.

execution while the concept of the work was solely barcels, the projects scale demanded assistance. to begin with, construction crews demolished the chambers existing ceiling and replaced it with a newly designed version that could support the weight of the sculpture. barcel and a team of engineers and architects created this new elliptic domed ceiling that is made from extra-strength aluminium. once in place barcel and his team of 20 assistants began construction of the sculpture.

the work began by building a raised floor that allowed the team to work closer to the high ceiling. then a plaster substance was applied to the ceiling in a variety of ways with a special consistency that created the cave-like forms. barcel consulted with particle science laboratories to ensure this mixture was the correct consistency. this material was mostly applied by hand but also using non-traditional tools like paintball guns. once the entire ceiling was covered in the plaster and all the dripping forms were complete, the ceiling was allowed to set.

35 tons of paint was then brought onto the sight to apply to the artwork. the paints used were made with special pigments sourced from all over the world. the paints were applied to the ceiling with special spray tools, as well as common objects like brooms for touch-ups. a series of different colours were applied to the ceiling. red, green, yellow, blue and almost every colour conceivable was applied to the ceiling as if the paints had exploded onto it. this multi-coloured layer was allowed to dry and the second coat was applied. unlike the vibrant hues of the first coat, the second on used only a single greyish blue tone. furthermore, the second coat was applied form only one direction. because only one side was exposed to the directional spray, the other side was left bare, revealing the multi coloured first layer. barcel has used this directional painting technique in his artwork for almost 20 years.

final after 13 months of work the ceiling of the UN chamber was complete. the ceilings total area measures a whopping 4,600 square feet and is completely covered in the special plaster and paint. the works size is so expansive that it is impossible to see it in its entirety. because the sculpture is so large, viewers are forced to circle around the room. as they move around the room and the sculpture the directional painting technique comes into play. the pieces appearance alters depending on the viewers perspective in the room. for example, the piece may appear predominately grey looking from one location, while from another it may appear multi-coloured.

the direction painting technique is perhaps the most symbolic aspect of barcels sculpture. for starters, the works multi-coloured appearance can be read as a very literal parallel to the multi-cultural nature of the world and the UN. in addition, the fact that the work cannot be properly understood from any one perspective alludes to the chambers function. like the issues discussed in the UN, altering ones perspective can affect your viewpoint.

at the unveiling on novmeber 18th, barcel gave a short speech in french, catalan and castilian. in this talk he revealed his main sources of inspiration for the installations appearance: a cave and the sea. he explained that the piece was executed to combine the two simultaneously. barcel further explained, the cave is a metaphor for the agora, the first meeting place of humans, the big african tree under which to sit to talk, and the only possible future: dialogue, human rights.

the critical reaction to the piece has largely been positive. at the unveiling the UN secretary-general ban ki-moon gave the work high praise, thanking barcel for putting his unique talents to work in service of the world. he later added, the artwork you have created for this room is innovative and radiant, i have no doubt that people will come to see it whether they have business here or not. this impression was shared by many of the dignitaries in attendance, all of who stared up at the chambers ceiling, admiring barcels sculpture. in reaction, some members of the press even likened the work to the 21st century sistine chapel. however the controversy surrounding the pieces financing has severally overshadowed the installation itself.

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room XX by miquel barceló - the spanish artist's colourful ...