Doha: Standing among the gleaming high rises and traditional structures are the aesthetically crafted public artworks which make up Qatar's evolutionary landscape. As the clock counts down for the biggest sporting event of the year, strategically placed artworks by renowned international artists are here to reflect the amalgamation of the nation's roots with contemporary time.
As the anticipation for the FIFA World Cup Qatar reaches its crescendo, Qatar Museums (QM) had announced a few months ago its intention to install over 40 new public artworks to celebrate the nation as a host country for the football mega event.
The art installations that are expected to be revealed throughout the year will be installed at significant locations to mirror culture, spark conversation, and serve as accessible inspiration for the people of Qatar and the visitors.
Among the myriad of public artworks in Doha, The Peninsula serves as an art compass to break down, in no particular order, 10 large-scale installations located in the most frequented areas of the country. There are many more small and big public art installations around Qatar and do tell us your favourite one in the comments.
Pouce sculpture located in Souq Waqif. Photo by Abdul Basit/ The Peninsula
Pouce
Nestled in the labyrinth of Doha's century-old trading market, the Souq Waqif, is where the French sculptor César Baldaccini's iconic "Pouce" stands. In the middle of the busy traditional setting, the large installation cast in the shape of the artist's own thumb has become a popular attraction for local and foreign visitors that it is often used as a rendezvous point in one of the country's most popular landmarks.
When the night settles in, the polished bronze patina of the artwork perfectly complements the mud-daubed buildings of Souq Waqif, creating a harmonious time warp of modern and traditional time.
"Pouce" is situated at Al Souq Street in the heart of Souq Waqif. Transport mode to reach the destination hassle-free includes taking the east to west Gold Line at Ras Bu Aboud to the Souq Waqif station.
Falcon sculpture by Tom Claassen at Hamad International Airport (HIA). Photo by Abdul Basit/ The Peninsula
Falcon
Perched on a ledge facing the departure hall of Hamad International Airport (HIA) sits a gigantic sculpture of a falcon embellished in gold seemingly bidding farewell to travellers set to depart on a journey. Unveiled to the public in July 2021, the "Falcon" was made by Tom Claassen, a Dutch artist and sculptor famed for his works depicting wildlife and nature.
In this latest piece, the installation pays homage to Qatar's national bird while drawing inspiration from Arabic calligraphy and the folds found in the fabric of the country's traditional attire. "Falcon" is followed by the artist's first installation inside the HIA which is the "8 Oryxs", comprising eight sculptures depicting Qatar's national animal in a herd.
Travelers can spot the "Falcon" outside the departure entrance of the Hamad International Airport.
A dhow boat pass by the "7" sculpture made by American artist and sculptor Richard Serra at Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) park. Photo: Abdul Basit/ The Peninsula
7
Paying homage to the significance of the number "7" in the Islamic culture, American artist and sculptor Richard Serra constructed seven 250-metre-high weathered steel plates moulded together in a heptagon to mount the tallest public art installation the artist has ever made.
"7" by Richard Serra was first unveiled to the public in December 2011 after three years of construction. Located at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) park, the tall structure is surrounded by various elements of nature, facing the sea and embraced by greeneries, as it contrasts the mirage of Doha skyline.
The art piece serves as Serra's second installation in Qatar followed by the famous sculpture, "East-West/West-East" in the desert north of Doha. This is considered as one of the best works by the legendary artist.
The serene yet dynamic sculpture "7" can easily be spotted along the Doha bay and accessible through the MIA.
Two of the three-part sculpture called "Gandhi’s Three Monkeys" by Subodh Gupta in Katara Cultural Village. Photo credit: Qatar Museums website.
Gandhi’s Three Monkeys
Strolling in the Katara Cultural Village, a beacon for cultural exchange, one might have come across a three-part sculpture of three heads in military gear depicting one in a gas mask, a soldier, and the other in a hood. The striking art pieces made by artist Subodh Gupta never fails to halt people on their tracks to take in and contemplate the meaning behind the installation named as "Gandhi’s Three Monkeys."
Each art piece, which tackles the challenging themes of war and peace, are made up of cooking instruments, used pails, traditional Indian lunch boxes, and glass bowls. Holistically, the public art is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's visual metaphor of the three wise monkeys which represents the proverb 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil'.
The sculpture, "The Force of Nature II" can be seen in front of the Katara Amphitheatre. Photo by Mohamad Bwary/ The Peninsula
The Force of Nature II
Further into the heart of the Cultural Village is the unmissable Katara Amphitheatre which was created to combine the classical Greek theatre concept and Islamic features. Situated in front of the 5,000 capacity landmark is “The Force of Nature II”, a large sculpture crafted from bronze, stainless steel, and aluminium to craft a woman hurling a planet in circles.
The Italian contemporary artist, Lorenzo Quinn, made the art piece as a dedication to Mother Nature as well as a reminder of nature's power and humanity’s responsibility to Earth. The public art piece was revealed in Qatar in October 2011. To date, “The Force of Nature II” is only four in number, with the remaining three installed in Shanghai, New York City, and Berkeley Square in London.
For a complete cultural getaway, the Katara Cultural Village can easily be accessible by car and Katara Metro station on the red line.
"The Challenge 2015" public art located at Lusail Multipurpose Hall. Photo credit: Qatar Museums website.
The Challenge 2015
Rising from the concrete to create a seemingly on-going handball match are a number of bronze-made hand sculptures in various sizes which were commissioned to celebrate Qatar’s hosting of Men's Handball World Championships in 2015.
“The Challenge 2015” which sits outside the Lusail Multipurpose Hall in the country’s smart and futuristic city is made by renowned Iraqi artist Ahmed Al Bahrani, who is known for large scale and thought-provoking art pieces.
The artist once revealed that he has taken up a personal challenge against himself and against time to finish this iconic and significant piece in just five months. “The Challenge 2015” has become an element which complements the Lusail Multipurpose Hall.
The large sculpture named, "Smoke" by American artist Tony Smith can be found in front of the Doha Exhibition and Conference Center (DECC). Photo credit: Qatar Museums website.
Smoke
Standing 24-foot tall, a two-tiered aluminium structure of geometric components matches the dynamic environment of what is evidently one of the busiest venues in the country, the Doha Exhibition and Conference Center (DECC).
Designed in 1967 by American artist Tony Smith, the geometric combinations of “Smoke” serve as an artistic ode to the creator’s fascination for geometry and organic shapes. According to Qatar Museums website, the title “Smoke” appealed to Smith due to “the complex spaces created within the sculpture, in which its logic disappears, like smoke.”
The artwork’s successful impact also rippled on the October 1967 cover of TIME Magazine featuring the sculpture and the artist. “Smoke” was the only large-scale artwork that was created to fit an interior space as it now resides in the hustling and lively space of the country’s city centre.
As countless events take centre stage at DECC, forget not to drop by at the prominent structure welcoming visitors of the venue which is accessible through any ride-hailing services, private vehicles, and the nearest metro station.
A glimpse of the 14 part bronze sculpture, "The Miraculous Journey" at Sidra Medical and Research Centre. Photo credit: Qatar Museums website
The Miraculous Journey
Further into the southwest part of the state, a striking series of artworks comprising 14 monumental bronze sculptures are installed in front of Sidra Medical Centre to illustrate each stage of the development of a fetus.
“The Miraculous Journey” made by Damien Hirst is significantly placed at Sidra Medical and Research Centre, which is a state-of-the art facility dedicated to providing care for women and children in Qatar. The large-scale structures end with "a statue of a 14-metre tall anatomically correct baby boy", according to Qatar Museums website.
“The Miraculous Journey” was officially unveiled in 2013 and has been a prominent artwork in Qatar ever since. It can easily be accessed via car or any ride-hailing services. The nearest metro station is situated near Qatar National Library.
A photo of public art "Perceval" situated in front of Aspire Park's lake. Photo credit: Qatar Museum's website.
Perceval
A life-size shire horse placed in one of the country's largest parks is a familiar face for both adults and kids alike. On days when the weather is good, a picnic or a stroll at Aspire Park is one of the perfect getaways to unwind and enjoy the outdoors during the weekend.
Overlooking the lake in Aspire Park, "Perceval" is made by English Artist Sara Lucas as a tribute to British culture. The life-size sculpture depicts a shire horse with a cart of giant marrows hitched on its back. The marrows on the cart are crafted from cement to contrast the polished and painted bronze material used on the artwork. Aspire Park can be reached by car and through the Aspire Park Metro Station by taking the Gold Line.
Situated in front of the M7 building is the large-scale sculpture Untitled (Trench, Shafts, Pit, Tunnel and Chamber) by American sculptor Bruce Nauman. File photo.
'Untitled (Trench, Shafts, Pit, Tunnel and Chamber)'
As part of the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture, a new public artwork was installed in the Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) last year. Built as a smart city exuding contemporary architecture inspired by traditional Qatari heritage, the artwork made by world-renowned American sculptor Bruce Nauman contrasts the white buildings in the sustainable area.
The artwork, "Untitled (Trench, Shafts, Pit, Tunnel and Chamber)" comprises two identical Corten steel shapes with concrete bases that mirror each other. In the artwork, the "trench" is the circular ring atop one steel shape as it mirrors the "tunnel" on the other corten steel shape that is placed at the bottom. Two triangular shapes in upright and upside down manner are also included, where one illustrates the "pit" while the other portrays the "chamber". Diagonal "shafts" connect the "trench" to the "chamber" and the "tunnel" to the "pit".
The artwork is placed in front of the M7 building which serves as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the rising industry of design, fashion, and technology in Qatar. Drop off at Msheireb station using the Red Line in Metro to reach MDD. It is also a few minutes walk and a quick transition from the traditional Souq Waqif.
"Lamp-Bear" by Swiss artist Urs Fischer can be seen inside Hamad International Airport. Photo credit: Qatar Museums website
AND then there is everybody’s favourite and most photographed public art in Qatar – Lamp-Bear or affectionately called “airport teddy”. Hamad International Airport houses the gigantic 23-feet teddy bear with a lamp over its head. This much-talked-about teddy is created by Swiss artist Urs Fischer and must be one of the most Instagramed pieces of work In Qatar as most travellers departing from Qatar post a photo with the teddy on their social media accounts.
Which one is your favourite? Do tell us in comments…
