Qatar's art scene has thrived in the past few years, with more and more new exhibitions and museums featuring international and local artists' work.
Several public art installations have been launched this year in anticipation of the influx of visitors arriving in Qatar for the World Cup.
The ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team has created a list of new public art installations to check out here!
The 'Doha Mountains' sculpture is a new public art installation that will greet visitors to the newly opened Ras Bu Aboud Beach 974. The installation is by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone and features rows of stacked stones in the colours of the Olympic Rings, symbolizing the nation's love of sports.
Representing an important part of Qatari history is the 'Milestones' installation located at the Grand Hamad Plaza – Node 2. The sculpture is Qatari artist Shua'a Ali's ode to the pearl diving trade that shaped the early Qatari economy and how recent developments have made Qatar into what it is today.
Another masterpiece by Shua'a Ali is the Tawzun installation made purely of granite, sandstone, limestones and pebbles. The artwork is inspired by the debris of Qatar's urban and desert environments.
Us, Her, Him by Najla El Zein can be found at the newly inaugurated Flag Plaza near the Museum of Islamic Art. The piece comprises 313 meters of hand-sculpted limestone and symbolizes human connections, diversity and the coming together of people in Qatar. The Flag Plaza is the perfect backdrop for this masterpiece.
British-Pakistani artist Shezad Dawood creates an ode to Qatar's beloved architecture and iconic buildings with the Doha Modern Playground. The installation is designed to inspire children and create a space for play.
The buildings that inspired the playground are Qatar National Theater & Ministry of Information, Sheraton Grand Doha, Qatar University, Qatar Post Office, Gulf Hotel, and Dar Al Kutub.
"Moutons de Pierre" is a public art installation of sheep sculptures that are now grazing Katara Hills. The installation is by French artist Francois-Xavier Lalanne and is a celebration of the legacy of the Qatar-France 2020 Year of Culture.
German artist Katharina Fritsch's iconic bright blue Hahn/Cock now sits at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention. The massive rooster symbolizes pride, power, or prowess.
A public art installation well worth the road trip is the Shadows Traveling on the Sea of the Day by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson located just north of Al Zubarah.
Placed in axes of a fivefold symmetrical pattern in the desert, the underside of the circular structures is decorated with mirror panels. The installation creates an illusion linking the real landscape with the reflected visuals.
Lebanese artist Simone Fattal crafted three sculptures out of blue-coloured granite that resemble geographical landmarks. They appear to look like dunes or tents representing Qatar's landscape and history.
Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto brings an immersive art installation in the desert titled Slug Turtle, TemplEarth. The piece pays homage to Qatar's rich natural environment. The installation is a structure composed of football goal frames with a ceramic earth globe sculpture in the center and surrounded by white crocheted netting.
Qatari artist Mohammed Al Ateeq's Acacia-Tree Seed art installation represents the duality of man, and the good and bad nature of human beings through art.
Iraqi artist Ahmed Al Bahrani created a massive sculpture of a family of dugongs at Al Ruwais Beach. Qatar is home to the world's second-largest population of dugongs, and this sculpture celebrates that.
Qatar has made significant progress in preserving and nurturing its natural marine life. Kuwaiti artist Monira Al Qadiri's Zephyr lighted art installation celebrates that by adding a glow to Doha's coastline.
The 12-meter tall installation entitled 'Come Together' at Qatar Foundation celebrates how football unites people. Dandelions inspire the shape, and the footballs represent the people who come together for the sport and will soon fly away in different paths.
The installation also uses helmets from workers who have helped prepare for the World Cup in Qatar.
Salman Al-Malek's colourful sculpture in Al Rufaa commemorates the Al Jassasiya Rock Art Site in an urban setting. It represents the markings left by pearl divers who once resided there.
Toub Toub Ya Bahar is Salman Al-Malek's beautiful homage to Qatari women of the past, present, and future. Located at the Doha Corniche, the West Bay skyline provides a stunning backdrop to the reflective sculpture.
Check out Yayoi Kusama's stunning colourful sculptures at MIA Park! This sculpture commemorates Qatar's strong relations with Japan. The colourful patterns of the unique shapes cultivate wonder and curiosity.
Popular world-renowned artist, Kaws, creates a beautiful sculpture that represents the current generation's promise to the youth to preserve the earth and all its glory.
Another art installation celebrating one of Qatar's favourite sea creatures, Jeff Koon's gigantic dugong sculpture, may be visited at the Doha Corniche.
A massive life-like balloon structure of Takashi Murakami is located at the Place Vendome Mall, where visitors can get an up-close and personal look at the artist.
30-meter art installation of whale shark 'Al Nehem' rests between the Lusail Towers at Lusail Boulevard. The whale shark is comprised of aluminium and steel and is brought to life with lights and music, and is especially beautiful during the evening.
The Egal, located in Lusail Marina Promenade, are suspended traditional headgear worn by men on top of the ghitra. The standing stance of the egal represents the respect of Qatar's leadership, especially during the blockade in June 2017. The varying heights of the egal represent the different generations that experienced it.
Cover image credit: Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
Which one of these public art installations are you going to check out first? Let us know in the comments! Do share this article - it keeps us going!
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