The World Peace Painting African Tour, led by renowned Chinese artist Da Jue Yang Yan in partnership with the QueenNAK Foundation, has embarked on its African journey with a mission to promote peace, cultural diplomacy, youth empowerment, tourism, investment and international friendship through the universal language of art.
The initiative traces its origins to a deeply personal story that began in 2018 when Da Jue Yang Yan’s wife, Neneh Ada Yang (QueenNAK), and their young son, Prince Yang, travelled to the United States for the child’s education. Shortly afterwards, the COVID-19 pandemic forced global lockdowns, separating the family for several years and leaving them uncertain about when they would reunite.
During the prolonged separation, the artist found inspiration in sheets of paper covered with colourful ink splashes created by his son before leaving home. Rather than discarding them, he transformed the simple drawings into remarkable works of art, creating a symbolic father-and-son collaboration across continents. The paintings became an expression of love, hope, resilience and the enduring bond of family during one of the world’s most difficult periods.
After international travel restrictions were lifted in 2023, the family reunited and decided to transform their personal experience into a global campaign promoting peace and unity. With the support of community leaders, diplomats, business executives and distinguished guests in the United States, the project officially began on June 16, 2023, when Da Jue Yang Yan unveiled the first stage of the World Peace Painting in Times Square, New York City.
The artwork features three monumental mountains representing Africa, America and China, symbolizing the belief that people from different cultures, nations and civilizations can live together as one global family.
The family has committed to a five-year international journey, during which additional mountains representing every continent will be incorporated into the painting before its official unveiling on June 16, 2028, coinciding with Da Jue Yang Yan’s 70th birthday.
The African Tour marks a significant milestone in that global journey. Organisers describe it as more than an art exhibition, saying it is a continent-wide movement designed to foster peace, strengthen cultural exchanges, encourage international partnerships, promote investment opportunities, support tourism and inspire young people across Africa.
The tour will feature exhibitions, educational programmes, cultural exchanges, official engagements with Governments and traditional leaders and community outreach activities aimed at encouraging collaboration and mutual understanding.
Following the African leg, the World Peace Painting Tour is expected to continue through the Arab world and Europe before the masterpiece is completed.
Organisers say the finished artwork will eventually be housed in a world-class museum, where visitors from around the globe will not only view the completed painting but also experience its inspiring journey through exhibitions, photographs, documentaries and interactive displays.
The QueenNAK Foundation and Da Jue Yang Yan have extended an open invitation to Governments, First Ladies, traditional authorities, artists, investors, educational institutions, development partners, international organisations, business leaders and citizens across Africa to participate in what they describe as a historic global legacy.
According to the organizers, the World Peace Painting African Tour seeks to demonstrate that peace is built through cooperation, understanding and shared humanity, with every brushstroke serving as a reminder that art has the power to unite people across borders and generations.
