British artist Idris Khan designs first memorial dedicated to Emirati soldiers. By Devanshi Shah
Symbolically located between Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the General Headquarters of the UAE Armed Forces, Wahat Al Karama, which means ‘oasis of dignity’, covers an area of 46,000 square metres. International art and design studio UAP was appointed to commission the memorial and collaborated on the pavilion. The studio is behind some of the most unique and ground-breaking public realm projects, such as the centrepiece of the ‘King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Breakwater Beacon’ in Saudi Arabia.
Idris Khan was selected by UAP’s curatorial team from a number of world-renowned international artists that entered the competition. Khan’s profound affinity with the local UAE culture, combined with a strong western voice, made his Memorial the winning project.
Artist Idris Khan commented, “The idea was to create a park for reflection on both loss and remembrance, a spiritual place that conveyed unity and support. I wanted this monument to have positive and hopeful resonance while inspiring curiosity in sculpture and how contemporary art can influence emotions. The project allowed me to be ambitious, and having been able to create such work gives me great pride. It is a place for serenity within a city busy with construction and growth, a major part of a country’s history and landscape that will be absorbed by the cultural awareness of future generations.”
Image: Courtesy: Jonathan Gainer, Surface.
