The world famous East-West / West-East art work by Richard Serra, situated in Qatar’s Brouq nature reserve has finally been cleaned by authorities.

Shortly after the iconic and unique structures were unveiled, some visitors began writing their names, messages and spraying graffiti on them. While some people saw it is an appropriate act, many viewed it as a form of vandalism and a disrespect to public property.

The four steal structures span over a kilometre, each one is fourteen metres in height. To guarantee perfect alignment, Serra examined the topography of the land with an aim to enhance the vast, desolate space in the heart of the desert.

Cleaning the artworks in Zekreet so everyone in our community can enjoy. These are works of art not walls for graffiti. Preserving it from vandalism is our shared responsibility. pic.twitter.com/Ef24aFW1Ml

— Al Mayassa Al Thani (@almayassahamad) November 25, 2020

When he had completed the structures, Serra said of his artwork, “This is the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. It’s a piece that I’d really like to be seen.

East-West / West-East is a regular attraction for visitors and desert goers alike, with many people choosing to camp in the surrounding area.

On Wednesday, Sheikha Al-mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, head of the Qatar Museums Authority, which the structures fall under,  tweeted photos of the cleaning operation, with the caption “Cleaning the artworks in Zekreet so everyone in our community can enjoy. These are works of art not walls of graffiti. Preserving it from vandalism is our shared responsibility