(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Raynald C Rivera | The Peninsula
DOHA: Hamad International Airport (HIA) yesterday unveiled Small Lie, a 32 feet sculpture by renowned American artist KAWS, the latest addition to the airport's galaxy of public art installations reinforcing Qatar Museum's (QM) vision of taking art beyond the four walls of museums.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony yesterday, Chief Strategic Planning Officer of Qatar Museum, Khalid Yousef Al Ibrahim underlined the power of public art in society as it urges people 'to pause, think and question.
'Public art is an important contributor to every society's growth and development because it inspires communities to unleash their imagination and become creators themselves precisely what we at QM are working towards, said Al Ibrahim.
Since 2005, QM has been collaborating with some of the best artists around the world to bring large scale art pieces with high mass appeal to the streets of Doha.
'To date, we have over 30 public art pieces displayed around Qatar, with more to come, he said.
Khalid Yousef Al Ibrahim added: 'The diverse backgrounds of the artists who created them are a reflection of Qatar's own diversity and our openness to the world.
'From striking sculptures to specially commissioned photography, our public art offering at HIA aims to inspire travellers as well as local talents flying through the airport. At Qatar Museums, we believe that art can be enjoyed far beyond the confines of a gallery and are delighted that a new iconic artwork by KAWS will join our ever-growing, world-class collection of paintings and installations by local and international artists, he added.
KAWS is the fourth American artist joining HIA's Art Programme. Most recently installed at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in the UK, the newly inaugurated Small Lie is now located in the North node of HIA, near Concourse E, a strategic location for the benefit of the 30m passengers transiting through HIA on a yearly basis, said Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer at HIA.
To install the sculpture, Al Meer said it took 80 to 100 people including fine art installers, gantry and steel specialists, façade experts, a logistics company, structural engineers, commercial and contractual experts, consultants, airport and museum staff.
'HIA's space for public art is truly redefining the passenger experience. As we are gearing up to welcome more than 50 million passengers by 2022, the airport is thriving to give transit travellers a memorable journey through the arts and culture. We are proud to welcome aleading world-class artist like KAWS at HIA, he said.
Reminiscent of a wooden marionette, the sculpture is made from Afrormosia wood, weighing 15 tonnes and standing 32 feet tall.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, KAWS said the sculpture alludes to Pinocchio, a famous fictional character in children's literature. He also related how the piece had evolved from a small to a large scale work and how he as a sculptor worked his way producing small scale art pieces to larger ones like Small Lie.
He said it was both an honour and a blessing to get invited to display his sculpture at HIA where people from different cultures coming from and going to different places can have access to his work.
A painter, sculptor, product designer and collector, KAWS is considered one of the most distinctive artists of our time. His influential work connects people across generations with contemporary art and opens up the world of popular culture to young and diverse audiences across the globe.
HIA features several artworks from a mix of local and international artists. The iconic Lamp Bear by Swiss artist Urs Fischer takes centre stage in the grand foyer leading to HIA's world-class duty-free hall. A herd of Oryx statues by Dutch artist Tom Claassen welcomes travellers at arrivals hall, while American sculptor Tom Otterness has offered a unique take on the Playground through a series of installations around the airport. Local artists include Qatari artist Ali Hassan and his desert horse sculpture, living outside of the airport building, as well as Salman Al Malik, Mubarak Al Malik, and Amal Al Rabban. Additional art pieces will soon be launched at HIA.
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