King Juan Carlos opens the painted dome at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva

King Juan Carlos opens the painted dome at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva
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By h.b. - Nov 18, 2008 - 6:40 PM

The artist at work in Brussels - Photo EFE/UNART

The dome was painted by the Mallorca artist Miquel Barceló at the controversial cost of 20 million Euro, of which Spain will pay 40 percent.

King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía have been in Geneva to officially open the new painted ceiling in the offices of the United Nations.

The 1,400 square metre space has been generously covered with 35,000 kilos of coloured paint by the Mallorcan artist, Miquel Barceló, at the controversial cost of 20 million € of which Spain will pay 40%.

Of particular criticism was the revelation that 500,000 € of that cost came out of Spanish budgets destined for development aid.

The King however praised the ‘undoubtedly creative beauty and expression’ of the work. Also in attendance for the opening was the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, and the Spanish Prime Minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. The P.M. commented that the impressive ceiling was a reflection of Spain in the 21st century – a country committed to helping development and against intolerance, discrimination and poverty.

Barceló said the work had been long and risky and perhaps a bit careless for such a serious setting, but he had no option but to complete it. It took him two years with the help of 15 people.

El Mundo reports that the solemn inauguration ceremony was accompanied by the slight odour of paint.

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