The exhibition offers insight to how the younger generation views their future on this planet.
The Louvre in Paris is to host the “We Are the World” children’s art exhibition on Friday, December 22nd. The exhibition is part of the Monet International Art Prix, arranged by the UNESCO and the Association des Artistes Européens, in collaboration with the London University of the Arts, Royal College of Art, Rome Academy of Fine Arts, Venice Academy of Fine Arts, and the Belarusian National Centre for Modern Art. The exhibition is a way for children from around the world to tell their stories through art and embrace the creativity of the future generations.
14 year old Tiger Wang is one of the artists whose work has been chosen to display at the renowned Louvre museum. Wang’s painting, titled “A Wonderful World in My Eyes” focuses on the climate crisis. The image depicts himself, next to a tree, blowing out the Earth on fire. It’s a powerful painting, especially when coming from someone so young. The Earth he has been given is on fire and young people like him are the ones who will be left to cool it down.
“This allure of imagery, its capacity for dual interpretations, drew me towards art. I recognized its potential to influence and engage people in ways that words often cannot. Through art, I strive to amplify my voice, share my perspectives, and spark excitement.”
Wang has always been into the arts. Whether it be singing, dancing, writing, or visual arts, he has found the arts offer diverse paths of expressing emotion. “Art, for me, transcends verbal limitations. An image can harbor multiple meanings, a richness that words sometimes struggle to encapsulate,” he explains. “This allure of imagery, its capacity for dual interpretations, drew me towards art. I recognized its potential to influence and engage people in ways that words often cannot. Through art, I strive to amplify my voice, share my perspectives, and spark excitement.”
Wang is also making a documentary to accompany his piece, with the same title “A Wonderful World in My Eyes” which will focus on the comparison between creativity and technology. For Wang, technology is another consideration for his future providing apprehension along with the changing climate. “I delve into the comparison between creativity and technology, pondering whether technological advancements might overshadow human creativity. This exploration shapes my perspective on the future. I harbor both worries and hope,” he says. Wang’s fear is a pertinent and valid anxiety of the times, but he continues to believe, even for generations like his and to come, nothing can overcome human ingenuity. “Creativity, I believe, remains an essential part of humanity, constantly evolving alongside technological progress. My emotions about the future are a blend of concern and optimism. I worry about the potential overshadowing of creativity by technology. Yet, I remain hopeful, seeing the potential for harmony between the two.”
“The exhibition at the Louvre validated the success of my art in achieving its intended purpose: igniting action and cultivating determination in individuals to take proactive measures to heal our world.”
Like the many children whose work will be on display for this exhibition, Wang was ecstatic to find out his work would be featured. He described himself as “overwhelmed with joy and a deep sense of accomplishment,” but his happiness doesn’t just stem from a sense of achievement, it comes from something much deeper. “The happiness stemmed from the fact that my painting, which held a vital message about our ailing planet, is now to be seen by people around the world; this was a fulfillment of my aspiration to instigate an awakening among people of all ages—urging them to acknowledge their responsibility in resurrecting and safeguarding our planet,” he explains. “The exhibition at the Louvre validated the success of my art in achieving its intended purpose: igniting action and cultivating determination in individuals to take proactive measures to heal our world.”
Unfortunately, without change, young generations like Wang’s will inherit a planet riddled with climate uncertainty. His work amplifies the fact that children are aware of this and carry the weight of fear on their shoulders. His painting gives a voice to youth– a group who are frequently overlooked in our political systems. “Art has this unparalleled ability to shine a spotlight on overlooked issues. Through my artwork, I strive to convey a message that transcends boundaries, shedding light on the suffering endured by many in the shadows of various crises around the globe, whether caused by fires or conflicts. It’s a call to awaken collective responsibility, urging humanity to unite, protect what is rightfully ours, and address the injustices prevailing in our world,” says Wang.
