When Qatar’s new Hamad International Airport soft launches tomorrow morning, visitors will see a range of artwork inside the facility, commissioned from local and international artists.
The numerous public art installations are the work of the Qatar Museums Authority, which collaborated with the airport’s steering committee over the past five years to bring several international pieces to Qatar.
Among the most noticeable pieces on display are:
- Lamp Bear by Swiss artist Urs Fischer (located at the center of the airport);
- Oryx sculptures and Playground by Dutch artist Tom Claassen (in the Arrivals area); and
- Desert horse sculpture by Qatari artist Ali Hassan (outside of the airport).
Other pieces will be added to the airport in the coming years, including from artist Adel Adessemed (famous for his “head-butt” statue of two fighting footballers), Damien Hirst (whose enormous bronze statues of “The Miraculous Journey” are displayed in front of the Sidra Medical and Research Center); Dia Azzawi and Jenny Holzer.
In a statement, QMA said:
“In Qatar, culture is at the heart of its human and national development – and there is no better place to creatively welcome visitors and residents than the airport itself. Through this partnership, the NDIA Steering Committee and QMA brings a cultural experience from landing in Hamad International Airport, facilitating access to Qatar’s cultural landmarks in the city. We look forward to continuing this collaboration, bringing more art to our community.”
Work from local artists will be also be featured at the HIA, including winners of a 2012 photography competition. Mohammad Al Misnad, Hussein Mohammad Al Shafei, Sarah Abd Al Majed and Arioseto Kusuma Adi will see their pictures permanently displayed in the departure hall.
Additionally, Qatari artist Faraj Daham has been commissioned to create large-scale murals.
There will also be a QMA store and cafe at the HIA that sells gifts and merchandise.
Tomorrow’s opening is expected to kick off with an 11:15am Fly Dubai flight from Dubai. A press conference will be held at that time time as the first passengers enter the airport.
Thoughts?
I do not mind the artwork but is it operational?
A great idea. The art will I’m sure enhance the spaces and create a visual impact for passengers.
At least it’s not Damien Hirst’s flies and the rotting cow carcass.
That Teddy Bear is really an unBEARable embarrassment. That Swiss ‘artist’ was surely having a laugh and made off with a sack of cash in the meantime…
I am very surprised they didn’t choose this other piece of art http://culturetown.org/the-giant-15-metre-tall-inflatable-poop-art-installation-in-hong-kong/
That is really really bad…I’ll take the teddy anyday!
ahahah! The problem is that under the name “art” so many horrid things are done….
Maybe the teddy did it? It’s big enough?
actually the bear is the smartest of them all…. great publicity…. think of the hundreds of thousands of dumb selfies with them… #HIAteddybear #dohabear #qatarteddybear #dohaairporthugs…
Good point..social media free advertisement…
i also adore that bear. it is also true that it’s making great publicity. i work at HIA and everytime i pass near that bear there has to be someone taking pics. it is unusual and cute <3 and catches the eyes unlike the usual fountains and others things we're used to.
I understand that it is very eye catching and it gives out great
publicity and reputation all around the world. The thing that I don’t
understand is that why does Qatar have to spend around 7 million dollars
( that is around 25 million Qatari Riyals) just because it is made by a
Swiss artist and its made up of Bronze! I’m not saying that Qatar
shouldn’t support international artists, but as a Qatari I would
appreciate it more and it would make more sense to put an Oryx or any
other symbol that represents the country and the local people. I also
think that it would gain as much reputation as the Teddy Bear have
gained and maybe more! The second point that I didn’t appreciate a lot
was this huge amount of money spent to build that bear. In my opinion
that money could have been spent in other areas to support Qatar’s
development.
On the other hand I want to share my opinion of the HIA
as a whole as I have visited it recently during my last trip. With all
honor I have to say that it is a massive step to Qatar moving towards
development. It is a very advanced and unique airport that is highly
constructed to compete with airports of the most developed countries. It
is a great achievement that every Qatari should be proud of.
very true! agree with almost every word!
Very exciting!!
Cool. I’m looking forward to seeing plenty of commissions from Qatari artists.
who will wash the teddy bear when it gets dirty
Good point, and the follow on is..how will they wash ted?
the airport authority will take care of it! btw the bear is made of bronze .it will be swiped 😛
Having visited the HIA recently I can safely say that this airport will instantly rank as one of the most advanced, beautiful and functional airports in the world. An achievement that Qatar can be very proud of!
careful now… otherwise the expat community of doha might disown you for saying something positive
The photos don’t truly show the hideousness of the Teddy Bear. It’s almost evil looking in person and at the least the ugliest Teddy ever.
and says it is a “ART”
Aw – I think children will love it!
children are only few percent of the passengers…
Arts? Seriously?
I would say, respect local artists and support their artworks
in fact the Oryx outside it much much nicer than the headbutt or the giant teddy
I totally agree. I think the Qatari sculpture outside, which probably cost 1% of the art inside, is amazing.
i personally prefer local artist than so-called-international artist.