Katara Towers Lusail
Doha, Qatar
Trading Cultures
For centuries, the Qatari people have stood out as cultural traders, confidently blending global influences into their own art and craft while proudly sharing their heritage with the world. This spirit of exchange became the gold thread we wove throughout the art collection for the Katara Towers complex, home to both Raffles and Fairmont Doha.
The Writer's Bar
The library in the Blue Cigar Lounge is the pulsating cultural heart of the project, a pediment to the celebration of the exchange of cultures. Curated to create a unique guest experience, the bar is surrounded by books, inviting conversation, shared experiences, and the indulgence of a wealth of knowledge drawn from diverse cultures.
Thousands of classic literary works are available for guests to read or browse while enjoying food and drinks inspired by the stories that surround them. Through this distinctive space, the spirit of shared community that earned the Qatari people the title ‘Traders of Cultures’ is brought to life.
The Elements of Qatar
As a point of inspiration for the art collection, ArtLink conceptually deconstructed a Qatari rock into its basic elements—sand, stone, glass, and iron ore—using these materials as a guide for our curatorial journey. The result was a collection of thousands of artworks by dozens of artists, each exploring Qatari culture and landscape through the lens of these elemental forms.
Curved Winds
Believing that true understanding comes through shared perception, artist Natalie Blake transformed an aerial image of a dune into individually hand-crafted clay tiles, placing a piece in each guest room. Only through the collective views of all guests does the full dune emerge.
Inspired by the ever-shifting Qatari sands, the textured tiles echo the movement of wind and the smooth contours of the desert landscape.
Through the Smoke
The wall of teapots pays tribute to the deep-rooted Qatari culture of hospitality. Master artisan Kati Jünger worked side by side with her village to produce these 64 teapots, reflective of the communal gatherings of Qatari people in winter—returning from the sea to share tea and stories on land.
Drawing on the aesthetics of ancient ceramics, the artist uses repetition and thoughtful arrangement to evoke the strength and continuity of tradition through form. The arts of infusion and ceramics unite in this installation, complemented by an nearby piece that explores the aromatic qualities of infusion.
Fire & Ice
The glass installation for the Fire & Ice Restaurant (now Provok) features two mirroring walls—one embodying icy coolness, the other fiery heat—reflecting the restaurant’s original concept. As sunlight shifts, the glass reveals changing tones of blue and orange, creating two distinct yet connected visual experiences.
The installation was crafted by master glass artisan Louis Thomson using sand sourced from the Qatari desert and beaches. The design incorporates forms inspired by Qatari culture and landscape, creating a meaningful connection between material, place, and concept.
Layers of Sublime
The series by Jesús Perea in the circulation corridors starts on the first floors with a more literal identification with Qatar and other cities of the world, becoming more abstract as one goes up: From the first to the 13th floor, the pieces feature different places worldwide where Katara has landmark projects. Using maps from these locations as a canvas, the artist then applied his signature abstract designs alluding to the specificities of the site, the contours of the buildings, their design and spirit. From the 14th floor to the top, the works are inspired by the views from the Katara Towers in Lusail and to the relation of the building to its surroundings – in land, water and sky. The combination of cartography and abstraction brings in the viewer to both enjoy the image and appreciate the site. Each floor is coded with a different tonality, moving from warm colors at the first 10 floors, cooler colors at the next 10 floors, and monochromatic works at the top floors. Overall, 109 unique works spread over 29 floors.
Ode to Al Thani
Qatar’s position at the crossroads of major trade routes has long brought diverse influences and materials to its shores, shaping a tradition of refined craftsmanship. The works in the Amiri Lounge draw inspiration from the art of jewelry-making. Glass artists James Lethbridge and Hanne Enemark were inspired by the exceptional pieces in the Al Thani Collection in Paris—assembled by the Qatari royal family—echoing a legacy of evolving artistic excellence.
Documentary Film
This exclusive documentary film of the Katara Towers Art Collection takes you on a journey through the creation of an art collection that redefines cultural storytelling. From the initial vision to the final installation, you’ll discover how the pieces were brought to life through the artistry and dedication of talented creators. Gain an intimate look into the creative process, step inside the studios of the artists, and see how this collection has become an integral part of one of the world’s most iconic architectural landmarks.
Produced in partnership with Katara Hospitality.
Project Details
The Katara project was a landmark undertaking for ArtLink—spanning the curation, commissioning, and installation of thousands of artworks across two luxury hotels. With just two years from the initial meeting to completion in time for the FIFA World Cup, the timeline was ambitious, but the creative potential was equally compelling. What made this project especially exciting was the opportunity to shape a holistic narrative, integrating not just guest rooms and public areas, but also F&B experiences and bespoke, site-specific installations that brought the story of Qatari culture to life.
Project details
Client: Katara Hospitality
Works Provided: 3463
Artists: 43
Services provided
