First Expo 2020 Dubai Permanent Public Artwork Unveiled

Kuwaiti artist Monira Al Qadiri’s gigantic iridescent, oil drill-shaped sculpture has launched Expo 2020 Dubai’s Public Art Programme, which brings together 11 leading artists from the UAE, region and the world.

Monira Al Qadiri, Artist, said: “I am very proud to be among the 11 artists from around the world selected to be part of this programme that invites visitors to access new perspectives through art in public space.”

Alongside Al Qadiri, the commissioned artists are Hamra Abbas, Afra Al Dhaheri, Shaikha Al Mazrou, Abdullah Al Saadi, Asma Belhamar, Olafur Eliasson, Nadia Kaabi-Linke, Khalil Rabah, Yinka Shonibare and Haegue Yang.

The immersive 11 contemporary artworks will be displayed around Expo 2020’s public spaces and stay as part of the future city of District 2020.

The Public Art Programme of Expo 2020 Dubai takes inspiration from the famous Arab mathematician, astronomer, and physicist Ibn Al Haytham’s seminal work, Book of Optics (c. 11th century).

Ibn Al Haytham has been called “the father of modern optics” for his significant theories and foundational principles of optics and visual perception.

Located across the Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability districts and Expo 2020’s two parks

Expo 2020 will run from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, inviting visitors from every corner of the globe to discover a wide range of cultural and artistic initiatives dedicated to broadening horizons and bringing people, communities and nations together.

Image Credits: (Commissioned by, and collection of, Expo 2020 Dubai)