The FIRE & ICE glass installation, a collaborative project by master artisans Louis Thompson and Hanne Enemark for the Fairmont Doha’s Fire & Ice Restaurant (since renamed to Provok) offers a stunning fusion of artistry and environment. An artistic interpretation of raw materiality and the Qatari landscape, the installation is a seamless integration of the landscape's essence into the opulent interior of the hotel, forging a tangible link between its luxurious setting and the natural splendor of Qatar.

ArtLink’s concept for the restaurant’s art installation was inspired by its design of two mirroring walls: Each wall would house a bespoke collection, with each work mirroring its counterpart on the other side in opposing hues referring to the restaraunt’s namesake as well as symbolizing the elemental journey from icy coolness to fiery warmth inherent in the glass crafting process. Explore further the concept that brought this space to life.

Infusing the Qatari landscape into the striking architectural design of the restaurant, each side showcases a mesmerizing gradient of tones in opposing hues: In the FIRE display earthy tones like bronze, ochre, and tan form the foundation, transitioning through ambers and oranges as the works climb to reach a crescendo of intense reds, reminiscent of the blazing desert sun. Conversely, the ICE display presents a spectrum of cool blues, beginning from aquamarines to azure and violets, evoking the tranquil depths of the ocean.

Leveraging the transformative power of natural light on the colourful glass in this collection yields two distinct yet equally captivating visual experiences within a singular space. Throughout the day as the sun's position and intensity changes, an ever-changing array of colours is presented shining through the glass on each side. At sunset, the tones a become particularly spectacular.

Exploring of the dynamics of containment and confinement, the artist delved into the intricate relationship between external and internal spaces. This exploration has culminated in a collection characterized by the interplay between its distinctive elements, whether through color, form, or material composition. Each piece contains a mysterious specimen inside that the viewer would find engaging and intriguing.

Crafted into solid glass, the pieces cleverly simulate the illusion of a container holding a local specifmen suspended in a richly coloured medium. Each piece that is adorned with a lid or stopper, enhances the illusion of a liquid-filled vessel, evoking the sense of an archival collection made up of precious inclusions from Qatar.

Encapsulated in each object is sand collected from the Qatari landscape. In the pieces designed for the FIRE installation the artists employed Qatari desert sand, arranging it in patterns reminiscent of the land’s undulating dunes. Delicately suspended within the glass, fine trails of sand create bubbles and a sense of dynamic movement, imparting a mesmerizing sparkle and effervescence effect. Conversely, in pieces designed for the ICE installation, the artists utilized sand sourced from the Qatari beaches, fashioning patterns evocative of the intricate reefs and sandy shores.

Follow the process below to see how the artists created the pattens and visual effects inside the glass using sand.

The larger-scale blown glass works showcase intricate, delicate internal structures that starkly juxtapose their serene and polished outer surface, enclosing them within a realm brimming with enchantment and electrifying vitality.

Embedded inside each one are a multitude of glass threads coated with precious metals, serving as a tribute to Qatar's rich historical legacy of metalworking excellence. Employing warm-toned 22-carat gold for the FIRE pieces and cool-toned platinum for their ICE counterparts, the artist further honors the innate preciousness of natural materials of the sun and water.

The installation comprises a total of 108 works, a number symbolizing spiritual completion. Fashioned after the notion of a “work in progress” towards spiritual completion, the display features multiple series of glassworks, each offering a glimpse into the evolutionary process. Beginning with the initial form in its raw state, the subsequent pieces gradually progress toward their ultimate finished state.

Furthermore, the shapes adorning the installation are not an arbitrary aesthetic; each pays homage to the diverse forms found in the Qatari culture and landscape, enriching the narrative with subtle nods to its vibrant heritage.

Intricately intertwining artistry with the natural essence of Qatar, the FIRE & ICE glass installation stands as a testament to the harmonious fusion of environment and the arts. From its inception, ArtLink envisioned for the project an interplay between the elemental forces of fire and ice, echoed in their vibrant hues. Each piece in the collection tells a story of the Qatari culture and landscape, from the undulating dunes of the desert to the tranquil depths of the ocean. Through master craftsmanship and a profound respect for tradition, this installation serves not only as a stunning visual spectacle but also as a heartfelt homage to the timeless beauty of Qatar.