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Tribune News Network
Doha
QATAR Museums (QM) has unveiled yet another marvel of art crafted by internationally-acclaimed contemporary French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel at the Hamad International Airport (HIA).
Known as 'Cosmos', the installation is the latest addition to Qatar's extensive public art programme, which aims to connect audiences living in and visiting Qatar with inspiring works of art.
Othoniel is best known for modernising the gardens of the Ch'e2teau de Versailles with his striking glass fountain sculptures.
Earlier this summer, Othoniel participated in a panel discussion at The New York Times Art Leaders Network 2018 with QM Chairperson HE Sheikha al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani and other distinguished figures from the world of architecture. At the panel, Othoniel described 'Cosmos' as a monumental sculpture that reflects Qatar's heritage and culture.
Othoniel drew his inspiration for Cosmos from an artefact in the collection of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha the oldest Islamic astrolabe in the world. Cosmos pays homage to this extraordinary object, using gold to gild the steel structure of the piece to evoke the warm light of the sun.
Cosmos represents a colossal celestial globe echoing the trajectories of travellers from around the world, with more than 30 million passengers passing through HIA last year. The striking piece resembles bright calligraphy drawn in space when observed side-on or from below and appears in the shape of a blooming rose when observed from the front.
Under the patronage of its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, QM has worked with local, regional and international artists for many years to commission and acquire artworks for key locations in and around HIA as well as other parts of the country as part of its mission to create easily accessible cultural experiences for all those who live in and visit Qatar.
Khalid al Ibrahim, chief strategic planning officer at Qatar Museums, said:"A major focus for us has been to create a diverse and striking public art offering at HIA and around the country, with the aim of taking art outside the walls of a museum to inspire local talent and engage travellers and tourists. Jean-Michel is an inspiring talent who has developed a strong artistic connection with the community in Qatar. Cosmos will be a huge draw and a welcome addition to the wonderful range of work already on display at the airport."
Eng Badr Mohammed al Meer, chief operating officer at HIA, said:"HIA is truly growing as a gateway to culture as we continue to add to our collection of world-class art by both international and locally-renowned artists. Cosmos is a monumental sculpture that will undoubtedly distinguish and enhance the passenger experience at HIA as it represents the global and cross-cultural sentiments that we very much value."
Cosmos joins other masterpieces displayed at the HIA including the hugely popular Lamp Bear by Urs Fischer, the recently unveiled Small Lie by Kaws, a series of Oryx sculptures by Dutch artist Tom Claassen, and installations entitled 'Playground' by American artist Tom Otterness, among others.
Other regional and international artists featured at the airport include Adel Abdessemed, Dia Azzawi, Ahmed al Bahrani, Maurizio Cattelan, Don Gummer, Keith Haring, Damien Hirst, Jenny Holzer, Marc Quinn, Anselm Reyle, Rudolf Stingel and Bill Viola.
