Qatar did not live only by football. A new installation by Olafur Eliasson in Doha
The FIFA World Cup enriched the architecture and cultural space of Qatar not only with the appearance of new stadiums. More than 100 pieces of public art have been created in the country to better acquaint tourists with the culture of Qatar, including a new installation by Olafur Eliasson. The author himself calls it "a study of the interaction of human perception and the natural world", as well as "an invitation to synchronize with the planet." Why did the artist place huge mirrors right in the middle of the desert? Why are steel poles shaped like an arc? What was the composition of the installation based on? And what is the general creative philosophy of Olafur Eliasson? Read about all this below:
Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson's new installation was created as part of one of the world's most ambitious public art programs, with more than 100 objects being installed at the initiative of the Qatar Museums in various public places from Hamad International Airport to Souq Waqif. The program was timed to the World Cup, during which, according to forecasts, about 1.5 million tourists visited the country. Thus, the authorities of Qatar strive to better acquaint residents of other states with the culture of their country. Some of the objects are temporary, and some can be seen after December 18, 2022 - the end day of the Championship. The new installation by Olafur Eliasson is one of the permanent objects.
Shadows Traveling on the Sea of the Day consists of twenty huge mirrors, three single and two double rings. The mirrors are located along the axes of a five-pointed symmetrical scheme. In the central part of the composition, a group of ten mirrors forms a five-pointed star.
Huge mirrors are 10.5 meters above the ground, they are supported by semicircular steel supports. Walking under them, a person looks at himself and nature from an unusual angle. Looking up and seeing what is under his feet, the viewer perceives both the surrounding landscape and his place in it in a completely different way. This effect is enhanced by the fact that the arcs of steel support visually turn into circles due to reflections. This adds integrity to the overall perception of the picture.
“Art offers layered spaces for wonder, questioning and critical reflection. I think it really helps many people around the world to chart alternative perspectives and imagine new narratives about how we can coexist more successfully on Earth in a more sustainable way. I hope that my new installation "Shadows Traveling the Sea of Day" will provide visitors with the opportunity to re-synchronize with the planet and will be a catalyst for climate change conversations on a local scale." said Olafur Eliasson.
BUILDING NAME: Shadows Traveling on the Sea of the Day installation
AUTHOR: Olafur Eliasson
DATE OF CONSTRUCTION: 2022
LOCATION: Doha, Qatar