Standing alone in front of his master- -piece, a huge seven-paneled painting (110" x 560") entitled "Towards the 21st Century: Symphony of World Culture," Dr. T. F. Chen faced an excited crowd of approximately 900 esteemed world leaders from 103 different countries and gave a brief speech at the closing ceremony of the State of the World Forum in San Francisco, 1998.

"I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to present to you my very very small painting, in comparison with the big big task of our State of the World Forum, which is a small step on Earth, but will be a big step in human history. This painting is entitled: "Towards the 21st Century: Symphony of World Culture," of our big global family, including (pointing to the painting from right to left) Latin America, Africa, Europe, North America, Asia, Oceanian, etc. etc.; including you and me, everybody.

I would like to offer you a new term. In our age of computers and communication, not only do we need hardware and software, but also soulware, S. O. U. L.ware. We are creating a new world for a new millennium, a new millennium of a Global Renaissance in Love, of "Science avec conscience," passion with compassion, a new world of hope, love, and unity. Thank you!"

The artist with Dr. Noel Brown,President of The Friends of the United Nations

Dr. Chen's speech, which was met with rounds of explosive applause, created one of the climaxes of the annual conference of the State of the World Forum (October 27 - November 1, San Francisco). Dr. Noel Brown, President of the Friends of the United Nations, introduced Chen to the body of the State of the World Forum, who then extended a special invitation to the artist and his wife to be part of the cultural section and join the international gathering of over 900 key world leaders in the arenas of business, science, education, politics, and the humanities.

Many of Chen's magnificent canvases from his "Humanity Series," "The Spirit of Liberty Series," and "East - West Series" graced the walls of the roundtable events and enriched the conversations. Chen exhibited again at the State of the World Forum this past year.