Small Lie finds a new home in Doha as HIA unveils 32-foot sculpture by KAWS

Doha: Hamad International Airport (HIA) has unveiled a new artwork, Small Lie by American artist KAWS. Delivered as part of Qatar Museums’ commitment to make art available to all beyond the confines of a gallery, Small Lie is the latest addition to the airport’s fine art collection of more than twenty permanent pieces created by local and international artists.

Reminicent of a wooden marionette, the sculpture is made from Afrormosia wood, weighing in at 15 tonnes and standing 32 feet tall. Small Lie is located in the North node of HIA, near Concourse E, a strategic location for the benefit of the 30 million passengers transiting through HIA on a yearly basis.

The inauguration was attended by the artist, Badr Mohammed Al Meer, HIA Chief Operating Officer, and Khalid Yousef Al Ibrahim, Qatar Museums (QM) Chief Strategic Planning Officer.

Artist KAWS; Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, HIA, COO; Khalid Yousef Al Ibrahim, Qatar Museums, Chief Strategic Planning Officer

Al Ibrahim welcomed Small Lie to Qatar, saying: “From striking sculptures to specially commissioned photography, our public art offering at HIA aims to inspire travelers as well as local talents flying through the airport.

At Qatar Museums, we believe that art can be enjoyed far beyond the confines of a gallery and are delighted that a new inconic artwork by KAWS will join our ever-growing, world-class collection of paintings and installations by local and international artists.”

KAWS is the fourth American artist joining HIA’s Art Programme.

Al Meer commented: “HIA’s space for public art is truly redefining the passenger experience. As we are gearing up to welcome more than 50 million passengers by 2022, the airport is thriving to give transit travellers a memorable journey through the arts and culture. We are proud to welcome a leading world-class artist like KAWS at HIA. I would like to thank Qatar Museums and KAWS for their precious partnership in enriching our current art collection.”

The artist flew in to Qatar to unveil and present his artwork: “I hope Small Lie can transport passengers into another realm”, said KAWS. “The inspiration behind Small Lie comes from my relationship to wooden toys growing up and the warm sensation of wood grain.  Expanding on this, I created an oversize sculpture that plays with an emotional tension of strength and kindness. Small Lie makes the viewer feel small but also want to protect it and console it. It is the first time that one of my pieces is exhibited in an airport…the space allows a dialogue with both travellers and the other artworks showcased at HIA.  It is a perfect space for Small Lie.”