Tom Claassen Unveils A New Public Artwork Of A Falcon At The Hamad International Airport

One of the busiest airports in the Middle East, the Hamad International Airport now has a new public artwork showcasing the national bird of Qatar, "The Falcon".

Unveiled by world-renowned Dutch sculptor, Tom Claassen, the sculpture sits on the ledge of the airport and essentially reminds of the rich tradition and culture of Qatar.

Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, talking about the new sculpture on her social media posts, has pointed out some striking details of the artwork.

According to her, Tom Claassen took inspiration from the soft falcon's feathers while the vivid lines mimic the air route from Qatar to the rest of the world.

The curves on the new falcon artwork can also be found in Arabic calligraphy while the folds take inspiration from the traditional fabric.

Suggested Read: Falcon Souq: One Of A Kind Market Dedicated To Falconry

Falconry Is The Integral Part Of Desert Life In Qatar

Tom Claassen's new artwork isn't just a masterpiece at the airport but means a lot more than that. Much like horse and camel riding, falconry is considered an integral part of desert life in the Gulf region and the bird carries more importance than most animals in Arab states. In Qatari society, falconry is a respected sport that draws a massive crowd.

With another addition to mark the art of falconry in Qatar, the Hamad International Airport now has at least 11 exhibitions that have been curated by Qatar museums. For overseas travelers, these artworks are attractive and add to the elegance of the Middle East's busiest airport.

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