Chinese paintings on permanent display in UN

The work of Wang Linxu (second from right), an-award winning artist who is considered China's top master in transcendental imagery, is displayed on one of the mega screens in New York's Times Square on June 28, 2012. CONG YAN / CHINA DAILY

A Chinese artist presented on Monday to the United Nations two of his paintings for permanent display at the headquarters of the world organization.

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The Interactive World and the Home of Us All, two large transcendental image paintings of Professor Wang Linxu, are dedicated to the renovation project of the East Lounge of the UN GA building funded by the Chinese government.

During the remarks made at the handover ceremony, UN Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon expressed his welcome of "these beautiful examples of Chinese culture to their new home" and thanked the Chinese government and the artist for their support to UN.

"These are big contributions from a country with a big presence at the United Nations -- and with a big role to play in securing a future of peace and prosperity for the human family," he said.

Li Baodong, China's permanent representative to the UN, said at the ceremony that the themes of these paintings are "totally compatible with the values that the UN has been working to promote, harmonious coexistence of different cultures and protection of the environment in particular."

"The transcendental image art that he initiated creatively integrates Western visual arts and China's water and ink techniques," Li said. "He has made tireless efforts to .. increase mutual learning and exchanges between different cultures."

Wang, president of the Chinese Ethnic Paintings Academy, is renowned for his atmospheric ink-and-water imagery on bamboo. He has, over the last 30 years, conducted in-depth studies on classic Chinese ink-and-water painting, analyzed styles and techniques of East Asian art and explored the west's post-impressionism art history.