A 30-foot-tall bronze-cast spider sculpture prompted more than a few raised eyebrows from those attending Richard III at the Qatar National Convention Center this weekend.

Titled Maman, the sculpture is apparently a permanent fixture at QNC, the creation of American artist Louise Bourgeois, who created it to pay tribute to her mother, a weaver in France.

Art in the City reports:

The symbolism of motherhood is especially striking through the presence of a sac that hangs above the viewer’s head, containing 17 white and grey eggs made of marble. In the artist’s eyes, ‘Maman’ also represents continual renewal of the cycle of life.

Commenting on the importance of the sculpture to Qatar, Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums Authority said: “Louise Bourgeois’ Maman is a true icon of 20th Century art, an artwork that has captured the attention of millions around the world. We are proud to present this magnificent sculpture…

Through displaying various forms of art in public spaces we aim to inspire local talent and to establish an organic connection between art and the local community.”

There are several other such sculptures in various cities around the world, and all are apparently very popular.

Thoughts?