| These are the original words of a text by Yao Yuan They have strong emotional content and they give an insight into the utopian vision of the artist. As a US resident, homeowner, downsized employee and a bilingual 45-year-old high school teacher, I'm less of an idealist than I was when I was in my twenties. Anyone wondering "who is this artist? Who is behind his art? Where did he get the money to make this statue?" will see that he is a sincere fellow who just wants to inspire people to think about peace. Steve June 21, 2003 RETURN TO THE INDEX FOR the Statue of World Peace |
| Yuan's Vision for Peace and Artist's Statement about the Statue of World Peace 21st Century World Peace Manifesto Ladies and gentlemen! When humanity steps into a new millennium, we, the creators of the Statue of Peace, peacemakers from different nations, different ethnicity, different faith and languages, are here to solemnly declare the 21 Century World Peace Manifesto to our brothers and sisters of our mother Earth. During the past five thousand years, 14,000 wars occurred in human history. The ratio of war to peace is 30 to 1. The magnitude, frequency, cruelty and destructiveness of war reached its peak in the twentieth century. World War II exceeded all other wars in human history: 2 billion people were affected, a quarter of the world’s population was brought under the domination of the enemy, 100 million people fought in the battle field, 56.40 million lives perished, 4 trillion dollars of property was lost, 30 million people were rendered homeless. It almost brought human civilization to ruins. Cold war confrontation followed World War II. Over 160 regional wars have occurred in the so called postwar “Peace Era”, with an average of 4-5 war per year and casualties of 7.2 million lives, which equals the number of casualties of World War I. Cold war never subsides and endless confrontations intensify. While humanity applauds and takes pride in its great technological achievements, atomic weapons have significantly escalated modern war. For the past half century, there has been a nuclear explosion almost every ten days. With numbed sensitivity, we could never imagine that 50,000 nuclear warheads, the equivalent of 160 megatons of TNT, have been scattered throughout corners of the Earth. A nuclear explosion with the equivalent of 50 megatons of TNT would send the earth into a lifeless “nuclear winter”. The planet could be destroyed several times. Peace advocacy is rendered powerless under the deterrence of “mutually assured destruction”. The tragedy is that millions of young souls, who have never experienced the sufferings of war, are lost in the cartoon fantasy of a “highly civilized” future war. Our naive young generation is being fooled by the media with poisonous ideas of war that are against the ideal of peace. Today, this is the picture we see: the blasting fuse has not been put out in the Balkans which are the origin of two world wars; the land conflict in the Middle East intensifies; disputes over natural resources escalate; nations disintegrate; religious disputes; ethnic animosity; clashes, chaos, famine and plague in Africa; the post-9.11 terrorist explosions ... War hangs over humanity like the sward of Damocles. Natural disasters have harbingered punishment on our senseless wrongdoings, flood, hurricane, glacial retreat, desertification, and natural resources exhaustion threatening our very existence. Is this gloomy picture the new millennium we are facing? No! Guardians of world peace, be they leaders of nations, generals, scientists, educators, artists and ordinary civilians, are all striving to achieve everlasting peace for humanity and the world with great perseverance and unflagging spirit. Contemplating peace and creating peace--- the establishment of Statue of World Peace has become urgent and compelling in the globalizing world, just as the mission of the Statue of Liberty was in its historic time. We envision the Statue of World Peace opening her wings, rising on the horizon with the dawn light of world peace, calling for the awakening and return of humanity. Let us unite to keep humanity away from the devastation of war, to bring revival to mother Earth, to welcome the angel of peace, and to build an era of prosperity and harmony. Statue of World Peace Committee November 5, 2000 |
| The Artistic Conception Of The Statue of World Peace A pure angel-like girl stretching her beautiful wings is being transformed into a magic bird, ascending, ascending and ascending … at the very moment when she is releasing the dove of peace, praying for world peace. As she is freely soaring in her infinite imagination, she is posing a question to heaven: When peace is being yearned for, Why is the beautiful world full of hostilities and conflicts? Why there are endless wars still ravaging the earth? Why there are more natural disasters devastating the planet? Why famines, poverty and plagues still keep humanity in bondage? Citizens of this global community love our earth! Let us stop war and live in harmony! The Statue of World Peace expresses humanity’s everlasting pursuit and firm belief in loving peace, safeguarding peace and creating peace. Sculpted in the style of traditional Chinese painting, the statue is a perfect combination of the propitious oriental flying goddess and the dignified and noble western angel. The modern design of succinct blocks brings out embodiment of the dynamism of our age. It radiates and conveys the eternal theme of peace and friendship. The statue strives to achieve an artistic integration between the concrete and the abstract, between East and West, between traditional and modern, and between imagination and reality. Special attention has been paid to the symmetrical beauty of the statue--- but not a full symmetry at axis. Symmetry produces stability and tranquility, while asymmetry allows fluid and flowing grace. At the same time, the design of the statue also aims at artistic contrast: shade and light, bright and dark, soft and hard, strong and gentle. Unity is obtained in contrast and harmony is achieved in coherence. The statue fully embodies the consummate craftsmanship in utilizing linguistic symbols. Its front view looks like the Chinese character “?”, which connotes the meaning of modesty and harmony and another Chinese character “?”, which connotes the meaning of peace and tranquility. Both of the two characters express an Eastern cultural ideal that is “harmony is above all”. Its overall structure resembles letter “V”, the first letter of the English word “victory”. The letter “V” stretches out like two arms, embracing the world. The structure conveys the Western belief of equality, fraternity and liberty. The utilization of linguistic symbols communicates a commonly cherished desire of humanity to achieve peaceful success and victory. The statue artfully combines the colors of peace—“blue and white” with the colors of life---“ green and white”, and integrates itself into the landscape. The silver white of the stainless steel melts into the azure of the sky and ocean, symbolizing reason and peace in the face of injustice and war. The green base of the statue echoes to the green forest and the picturesque coastal line and matches the silver surface of the statue, symbolizing the eternity of peace. The statue is infused with strong musical and choreographic sense. It is an elegant song of peace and friendship. It is a rhythmic dance full of vigor, spirit, joy and sweetness. It is well worth mentioning that the future buildings at the foot of the statue are going to adopt the snow-white lucky bird design. Now Mr. YaoYuan, the sculptor, has started composing a symphonic cantata---Ode to Peace, which includes three chapters: A. Concord---between man and nature; B. Harmony---within humanity; C. Peace---world harmony. The music notes of the cantata will be engraved on every glass walls of the structure. As you cruise around the statue, the music will be played to you through automated program. When dusk descends, the statue gazes up to the blue sky, radiating two azure laser beams from her eyes. The panorama view windows around her neck glisten like diamonds. The music fountain dances with vigor and vivacity in colorful lights. What a magnificent paradise of peace, prosperity and harmony! Yao Yuan Founder and sculptor November 2002 |
Project Components of The Statue of World Peace The Project of Statue of World Peace consists of two parts: Statue of World Peace and the memorial square. 1. The Statue of World Peace: A. Height: Statue 46m Tower 48m Buildings 14m Total height 108m B. Material: Statue High-quality stainless steel Tower Light metal structure Buildings High quality green construction material C. Construction period: 2-3 years D. Components: a) The tower: The main structure of is composed of one main tower and one auxiliary tower, in the shape of the Chinese Character ”?”? · Main Tower: A long corridor serving as fresco space depicts human history of war and peace. The total length is 1000 meters with five levels, each level displaying exhibits of human civilization. · Auxiliary Tower: Sightseeing elevator reaches the ground floor exhibit hall. · Tower body: Inscription: Name of the Statue of World Peace in five different languages; messages from world leaders and peace activists; name list of initiating organizations and promoters. b) The Statue: · The White Cloud Square, at the altitude of 50 meters and the feet of the statue, with a holding capacity of 100 people. · The White Feather Square, at the altitude of 75 meters and the waist of the statue, with a holding capacity of 100 people. · The White Dove Square, at the altitude of 100 meters and the hair of the statue, with a holding capacity of 100 people. · The Panorama Window, at the altitude of 88 meters and the neck of the statue, 108 pearls of necklace serving as 108 viewing windows. · Telescope, at the altitude of 100 meters, with laser beam. c) Lighting: Set up heavy-duty lighting system in statue's perimeter d) Fountain: Ultra large-scale music fountain playing symphony of peace e) Construction cost: 110 million dollars 2. Memorial Square A. International Peace Exhibition Conference Center a) Exhibition area: Five areas and a square b) Conference area · The main conference hall Hold 3,000 persons · The press hall Hold 500 persons · The speech hall Hold 1,000 persons · The achievement hall Hold 300 persons · The information center Hold 300 persons · The VIP room Hold 100 persons B. World Peace Building Office space for the World Peace Organization, UN Peace Organization,International environmental protection organizations, humane organizations, poverty relief organizations, educational institutes, health organizations, and the Statue of World Peace Committee and other related agencies. C. Scenic Spots a) Shopping area: the Peace Mall b) Food and beverage area: the Peace food street, Buddy’s Pub, etc. c) Performing art area: the Peace Theater d) Activity area: SanHe Club and fitness facilities e) Recreation district: the peace sculpture square, children's peace park, cruise club, etc f) Hospitality area: the Peace Goddess hotel, Peace Grand Hotel |
| Site Selection... Site Selection Requirements of the Statue of World Peace Undoubtedly, the Statue of World Peace memorial square would greatly enhance the national image of the chosen country and bring reputation of peace to the chosen nation and city. A world-class scenic area with the theme of peace will be produced in the development and construction of the project bringing significant social effects and economic effects. It will become a focus and highlight in the world. Therefore, the location of SWP will embark on around the whole world. The site selection must be conducted with great sense of responsibility for the society, for mankind, for history, and for the future. The requirements are as follows: 1) Favorable bay environment 2) Favorable climate 3) Favorable social environment 4) Favorable ecological environment 5) Favorable investment environment 6) Favorable support ( government, policy, manpower etc.) 7) Favorable peaceful history 8) Favorable international influence 9) Favorable common recommendations from experts |
Institutional Framework Of the Statue of World Peace Committee Statue of World Peace Committee is set up for the establishment of the Statue of World Peace and Peace Theme Park. It is devoted to the establishment of the Statue of World Peace, advocating and organizing activities for its mission. We take this opportunity to promote world peace and the well-being of mankind. Statue of World Peace Committee is a specialized international, academic organization for public benefit. The committee is made up of an honorary branch, a directive branch, an academic branch and an executive branch. 1. Honorary branch a) Invite world-famous politicians, military strategists, educators, scientists, social activists, Nobel Peace Prize winners to serve as honorary consultants and honorary committee members. b) Invite world leaders, the United Nations leaders and people who have made significantly contribution to world peace to serve as honorary president. c) Award Statue of World Peace lifetime honor to people who have made outstanding contribution to world peace, including national leaders, religious leaders, representatives of children and women, scientists, educators, artists, social activists, and other contributors in environmental protection, health care, and animal protection. Award the World Peace goddess' lifetime honorable mention. 2. Directive branch a) Invite politicians, educators, scientists, law experts, economists, artists, peace activists and other personages who share the ambition of world peace to serve as directive committee members. b) Set up executive bodies for consulting, directive, academic, and legal purposes. 3. Academic branch a) Invite scientists, technology professionals, artists, designers, scientists, historians, and humanists who are dedicated to the mission to serve as academic members. b) Set up specialized academic agencies in technology, art, and humanity that would benefit the establishment of the Statue of World Peace 4. Executive branch a) Invite personages from international peace organization, environmental protection agencies, anti-war, poverty relief, anti-terrorism and human rights organizations to serve as executive committee members. b) Establish human resource structure for the committees, which include executive chairman, vice-chairman, secretary-general, department heads, directors, secretaries and other staff members. Operating Plan Plan Of The Statue of World Peace First Phase: (2 years, 2000-2001) Creative Phase: The ten-meter tall statue of world peace, made of stainless steel, was unveiled on the Peace and Friendship Square in Beijing on January1st, 2001. More than 1000 personages attended the unveiling ceremony, including foreign envoys to China, international friends, Chinese leaders and representatives from different social groups. Extensive favorable comments have been received and a tentative draft is produced. Second Phase: (2 years, 2002-2003) Preparatory work: 1) Preliminary project planning and structural design 2) Worldwide site selection 3) Establish the World Peace Committee 4) Fund-raising for the construction and project promotion 5) Locate construction site and conduct project exploration 6) Constructive and structural design Third Phase: (2 years, 2004-2005) Construction of the Statue of World Peace: Forth Phase: ( 2 years, 2005-2006) Celebration of the Statue of World Peace and construction of the memorial square: 1) Unveiling Ceremony (the 60th anniversary of the Anti-fascist World Victory, establishment of UN and World Peace Day) (November 11.2005) 2) Construction period of the World Peace Theme Park (2005-2006) 3) The memorial square opens officially (November 11, 2006) Fifth Phase: (starting from 2006) Promotion of the cause of world peace, with human progress and development, carry forward the great undertaking of safeguarding peace and promoting well-being for mankind. Joint Petition For Establishing The Statue of World Peace Humanity has no future without peace! Peace is the primary issue of humanity. It is the sacred duty of every one of us to love peace and to safeguard peace. We are urgently called to contribute to the sacred mission. This statue of world peace, sculpted by Mr.YaoYuan, an artist with rich sense of responsibility and high achievements, is infused with profound spirit. Let us unite, hand in hand, to build the greatest statue in the new century. Please be a founder and sign your participation. Thank you! Statue of World Peace Committee November 5 , 2002 |
| Mr. Yuan was very nice to invite me to join his committee for the SOWP. He wanted me to edit his materials. Thanks to the Internet, it's possible to share the artist's original words which were then shortened to be more acceptable for US audiences. My worries were that Mr. Yuan's enthusiasm gets in the way of earning acceptance for a large metal statue. Once the statue is in place, people can read what he originally wrote. To make the material easier to read, I highlighted the main idea and left out the enthusiastic prose. I fear my version has robbed the reader, and so the artist's statements appear here for you to enjoy. |