The Art Portfolio (EMAAR, Downtown Dubai)

downtown dubai
downtown 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.
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fernando botero
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.
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.
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xavier corbero
downtown dubai
 ‘The Gathering’
by Xavier Corbero
Downtown 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.
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lutfi romhein
downtown dubai
 ‘Together’
by Lutfi Romhein
Mohammed 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.
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jaumeevolutes
plensa
 ‘World Voices’ by Jaume Plensa
The 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
The Artist
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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’.
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jaeyho lee
 ‘Chorus’
by Jaeyho Lee
Mohammed 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.
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karim rashid
downtown dubai
 ‘Evolutes’
by Karim Rashid
The 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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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gualtiero mocenni
 ‘Dubai Perpetuum Mobile’
by Gualtiero Mocenni
Emaar 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.
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mohamad baajano
 Mohamad Baajano
Emaar Square, Downtown Dubai
Limestone
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taher sheikholhokamaei
 Taher Sheikholhokamaei
Emaar Square, Downtown Dubai
Limestone + Metal
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hernandez roberto
 Hernandez Roberto
The entrance from Doha Road
- The Dubai Mall’s second
entrance, right side
Omani Marble
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 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.
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 ‘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 500acre 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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public spaces
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