Paris displays new stained glass windows for Notre-Dame, although the old ones were not destroyed by fire

Designs for six new stained glass windows for Notre-Dame Cathedral by French artist Claire Tabouret were exhibited at the Grand Palais in Paris. The selected etchings feature black-skinned figures depicting the people of the then Middle East.

However, the exhibition has been accompanied by protests from experts who point out that the original windows by architects Viollet-le-Duc and Lassus were not damaged in the fire and replacing them could violate cultural guidelines, CNN reports.

Tabouret, who lives in Los Angeles, was chosen from more than 100 artists and says her designs draw on the symbolism of Pentecost - a story of the Holy Spirit and community. She admitted, however, that she is not religious.

The artist is known for painting people, but in these designs, she pairs them with striking nature motifs, such as rough seas or trees bent by strong winds. The colours of the stained-glass windows will be based on rich reds, greens and blues that follow the traditional colours of sacred art.

(mja)