downtown dubai - artzu projects · 2014-04-10 · downtown dubai downtown dubai downtown dubai...

6 | the art portfolio the art portfolio | 7

downtown dubaidowntown dubai

downtown dubai

Downtown Dubai is home to a series of specially commissioned

public outdoor artworks celebrating the culture and inspiration of Arabic life by

internationally renowned artists. Although the pieces may reflect

the history of the Emirates, they incorporate materials from across

the globe and in doing so, captivate Dubai’s cosmopolitan vision.


downtown dubai downtown dubai

‘Horse 2007’ by Fernando Botero

The Waterfront Promenade, The Dubai Mall

Known throughout the world for his

proportionally exaggerated sculptures

and paintings, Columbian figurative

artist Fernando Botero’s ‘Horse 2007’

pays homage to the rich equestrian

heritage of the Emirates. Cast in

bronze, the sculpture weighs over one

and a half tonnes. Its tactile curves

and cheery form makes it immensely

popular with adults and children alike,

which perfectly encapsulates the spirit

of The Dubai Mall.

fernando botero

The Artist

Colombian-born Botero left Matador

school to become an artist, first

exhibited at the age of 16. Renowned

for his signature style that depicts

figures in exaggerated proportions

known as ‘Boterismo’, he is considered

to be Latin America’s most recognised

and celebrated artist.

downtown dubai


downtown dubai

xavier corbero ‘The Gathering’ by Xavier CorberoDowntown Dubai

A collection of ten figurines, fashioned

from petrified lava from the artist’s

native Spain, ‘The Gathering’ is designed

to be an approachable artwork,

representing the entwining of nature,

imagination and reality. Its location was

chosen specifically by Corbero, for its

harmonious interaction between the public

and the surrounding buildings, including its

close proximity to Burj Khalifa.

Indeed, the admiring public do relate to

the sculpture, being one of Downtown

Dubai’s most endearing artworks.

The Artist

Perhaps the most influential artist

since Gaudi, Catalan Zavier Corbero is

hailed as one of Spain’s premier living

sculptors. Designer of Barcelona’s

Olympic medals and orchestrator of

numerous public art projects, Corbero’s

works are elegant and engaging -

forging a new urban architecture.



lutfi romhein ‘Together’

by Lutfi RomheinMohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard

A striking pair, ‘Together’ celebrates Arab

dignity and individuality. Cast in black

Swedish granite and white Italian marble,

the faceless sculptures, standing over four

metres tall, symbolise the ‘completeness of

life’ and the similarities between man and

woman, a reminder of the origins of the

human race.

The Artist

A respected sculptor from the Arab

world, Syrian artist Lutfi Romheim

has earned international renown with

monumental works in Italy, Brazil,

the United States and the UAE. Also

commissioned by leading galleries

around the world, Romhein has won

awards for his versatile use of material,

techniques and styles.



evolutesjaume plensa

‘World Voices’ by Jaume PlensaThe Residence lobby, Burj Khalifa

The Residence lobby is dominated by an artwork by artist Jaume Plensa titled ‘World Voices’. Plensa, best known for his Crown Fountain artwork in Chicago’s

Millennium Park, was selected from a competition shortlist of five international artists by Burj Khalifa’s architects and interior designers Skidmore, Owings &

Merrill LLP (SOM), Emaar’s Chairman, Mohamed Alabbar and Samia Saleh from The Courtyard Gallery. The work draws on the historic precedent of fountain

ornaments, found in palaces and courtyards of houses in the region, whilst the abstraction of nature references the organic geometry of the tower.

‘World Voices’ comprises 196 cymbals, which represent the 196 countries of the world – a reflection of Burj Khalifa’s role as a global icon and the international

collaboration behind it. Each cymbal is cast in a bronze and brass alloy, plated with 18-carat gold. The cymbals are suspended on titanium rods and anchored in

two shallow pools of water, appearing like reeds in a lake. The hand-finished cymbals are struck by drops of water from the ceiling, creating a distinct timbre and

ambient sound that the artist likens to the sound of water falling on leaves.

The Artist

Spaniard Jaume Plensa is one the world’s foremost sculptors with hybrid bodies of work

spanning the globe in cities that include Dubai, Chicago, London, Tokyo, Toronto and

Vancouver. Recipient of national ad international awards, Plensa stimulates and involves

his audience with cityscape-altering works of art.



berlino

‘Concha’ by Berlino

Emaar Square, Downtown Dubai

Commissioned in 2008, Berlino’s organic,

flowing masterpiece was one of the first

major contemporary sculptures to be

commissioned in Dubai. Made of cast

aluminium, some 5m tall, the sculpture

reveals its highly textured, natural

form by encouraging the viewer

to make a circular journey.

The Artist

Born in Manchester, UK, in 1967, Berlino’s

growing reputation as a sculptor and

painter continues to evolve into ever

more spectacular forms. He has recently

completed several commissions for

Dubai International Airport and

is collected worldwide.



donald greig

‘Camels’ by Donald Greig

Downtown Dubai

The latest addition to Downtown Dubai’s

collection of artworks, ‘Camels’ is a salute

to the ‘ship of the desert’ by South African

sculptor Donald Greig.

Weighing 800 kilograms and 3m high at

its tallest point, the sculpture comprises

a trio of camels in a powerful artistic

portrayal of the majestic Arabian camel,

indigenously and integrally linked to the

country. Intricately moulded in clay over a

steel and polystyrene armature, the trio of

‘Camels’ were each dipped into 15 layers

of ceramic and cast with molten bronze.



vincent da silva

‘Rhims Gazelle Herd Edition I’by Vincent Da Silva

In front of The Palace Hotel Downtown Dubai

South African Vincent Da Silva’s sculpture

depicts a herd of gazelles, emanating

power in mid-stride. Forever captured in a

moment cast in clay and bronze, the piece

is the first of five collectives featuring the

endangered deer. Given form and shadow

with deep recesses made from the artist’s

hands, the bronze medium enhances

classic expressions and freeze-frames the

dynamism of his subjects. Two metres high

and six metres long, ‘Rhims Gazelle Herd

Edition I’ is a sterling addition to Da Silva’s

Downtown Dubai repertoire that also

includes ‘Life Size Andalucian I’.



jaeyho lee ‘Chorus’by Jaeyho LeeMohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai

Larger than life, the 15 metre high

‘Chorus’ by Korean sculptor Jaeyho

Lee stands majestic on Mohammed

Bin Rashid Boulevard. Forged from 3.4

tonnes of steel and 7.6 tonnes of wood,

the sculpture took just five months

to assemble. The artist describes

‘Chorus’ as an emblem of Dubai’s unique

solidarity, the coming together of a rich

multicultural tapestry. Drawing inspiration

from the flow, movement and rhythm

of a gathering of people–‘Chorus’ is

perfectly poised in Downtown Dubai.



karim rashid ‘Evolutes’

by Karim RashidThe Corporate Suites entrance, Burj Khalifa

Egyptian-born artist, Karim Rashid

has an international reputation as

one of the most prolific designers

of the 21st century, with works

displayed in over 40 countries

across the world. ‘Evolutes’ was

created using a unique highly

reflective organic coating, with

blends of natural stones, in a

transparent UV-resistant epoxy

system. The sculpture comprises a

single span winding and intertwining

around itself, providing viewers with

a unique perspective from every

vantage point.

For Rashid, this sculpture “reflects

the advancing society of Dubai and

its architectural landscape. The

shifting ovals vibrate and continue

ad infinitum, an evolution of man,

technology and energy.”



mohamed elaadi

‘Al-Qawasim’ by Mohamed Elaadi

Fashion Avenue VIP entrance, The Dubai Mall

Carved from Omani marble, ‘Al-Qawasim’ sits perfectly outside

the VIP entrance of Fashion Avenue, its contours mimicking the

feminine haute couture that lies within. A self-educated sculptor,

Morocco-born Elaadi’s works are famed for their clean flowing lines

and striking colours. ‘Al-Qawasim’ is no exception.



sami mohamed al saleh

‘Al Sidra’ by Sami Mohamed Al Saleh

Al Manzil Hotel

A freeform bronze sculpture, ‘Al Sidra’ takes its name and

influence from the resilient desert tree found throughout the

Gulf. The tree, acclaimed for its ability to flourish, despite a

harsh climate and surrounds, pays tribute to the strength of

Arabic society. ‘Al Sidra’s’ shape plays on the female form,

representing in particular the enduring resilience of

Arab women.



vincent da silva

‘Life Size Andalucian I’ by Vincent Da Silva

Burj Plaza

Created in clay and cast in bronze,

‘Life Size Andalucian I’ serves as a

powerful reminder of the UAE’s rich

equestrian heritage. Sculpted at a height

of 1.8 metres and 2.6 metres in length,

it illustrates the spirit of determination

portrayed by Arabian hoses alongside

modern-day tales of chivalry and bravery.

The majestic Arabian horse lies at the

core of the region’s culture and this

sculpture beautifully captures its dynamic

yet graceful nature.



vincent da silva

‘Large Cornering Cheetah’ by Vincent Da Silva

Emaar Head Office, 2nd floor

Raw and powerful, Vincent Da Silva’s ‘Large Cornering

Cheetah’ is poetry in motion. The fluidity of this

sculpture encapsulates the animal’s sheer vitality,

grace and brawn. With a core made of clay on a steel

armature, the piece was then moulded and cast from

limited edition bronze. Using the ‘Lost Wax’ casting

technique, this intricate method bears the grade of its

ancient alchemy on the textured feline form. Insistent of

the most honest and unhindered presentation in all his

work, the sculptor’s ‘Large Cornering Cheetah’ echoes

his potent, untamed expression.



gualtiero mocenni

‘Dubai Perpetuum Mobile’ by Gualtiero MocenniEmaar Square, Downtown Dubai

Inspired by Dubai, Italian artist Simone

Mocenni was fascinated by the rise

of the city, seemingly erupting from

the desert sands. ‘Dubai Perpetuum

Mobile’ was born from the immense

strides the emirate has made before

his very eyes in just two short years.

Composed of three pieces of carved

Omani marble, each block is a

consequence of the other – a

reflection of perpetual continuity, a

reflection of Dubai.



mohamad baajano

Mohamad BaajanoEmaar Square, Downtown Dubai

Limestone



Taher SheikholhokamaeiEmaar Square, Downtown Dubai

Limestone + Metal

taher sheikholhokamaei



hernandez roberto

Hernandez RobertoThe entrance from Doha Road

- The Dubai Mall’s second entrance, right side

Omani Marble



One of the mall’s most photographed features, second only to Dubai Aquarium &

Underwater Zoo, The Waterfall is by far the largest of the mall’s water features. A striking

installation, the fibreglass freefalling divers designed to represent freedom were locally

crafted. Traversing all four floors, measuring 30 metres in diameter and 24 metres high,

The Waterfall is the highest internal water feature of any shopping mall worldwide. By

making smart use of the surrounding skylights, it never looks the same twice on any given

day, thanks to the medley of shadows that play on its atmospheric allure.

The divers themselves are subject to a strict maintenance schedule to prevent them

from oxidising in the water and are regularly removed to be cleaned. In an effort to

ensure no visitor’s appreciation will ever be compromised, they are removed a few at a

time, to retain the overall symmetry of the display.



‘The Burj Monument’Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard

Located strategically on a visual plane aligned

with Burj Khalifa, The Burj Monument draws

its design inspiration from the three-core

structure of the record-breaking tower,

inspired by the floral pattern of the desert

flower, Hymenocallis. The Burj Monument,

fashioned from stainless steel and standing

18 metres high, welcomes visitors to the 500-

acre community around it, acting as a token of

gratitude to all those who come to marvel at

Downtown Dubai’s collection of artworks.



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downtown dubai - artzu projects · 2014-04-10 · downtown dubai downtown dubai downtown dubai...

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