'Shelters' highlights artistic fusion of sports and arts, says Sheikha Mayassa

Qatar's vibrant art scene has once again come to life with an innovative installation that beautifully merges the worlds of sports and culture.
“Lovely seeing the public art scene around Qatar portraying the fusion of arts and sports through a new piece, “Shelters”. I am pleased to see this colourful collaboration between Marco Bruno and Michael Perrone invite Qatar’s cricket community to relax and connect by providing shade and resting areas, as cricket is a popular sport among the South Asian community,” Qatar Museums (QM) chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani posted on her social media pages.
Lauding this one-of-its-kind initiative, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa added: “I look forward to seeing more creative designs and art that enrich the lives of our communities.”
“Shelters,” a collaborative masterpiece by the two artists, is transforming the perception of street cricket in Doha while honouring the city's cricket-playing community.
Bruno, a distinguished architect with a diverse international background, was responsible for bringing his architectural expertise to the project. Hailing from Torino and having honed his craft in Los Angeles and Seoul, Bruno's innovative vision and design sensibilities are evident in every aspect of “Shelters.”
Perrone is an accomplished artist and educator, who studied art and art education at the School of The Museum of Fine Arts/Tufts and earned an MFA in Painting from the University of Pennsylvania.
The installation also gains an advantage from Perrone's vast teaching background, encompassing his position as a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Art in Qatar, where he maintains his ability to motivate aspiring artists.
According to QM, such a project is a testament to the power of creative expression to unite communities. Inspired by the temporary shelters erected for workers adjacent to large construction sites, "Shelters" consists of two intricately designed structures that serve as gathering and resting areas for participants in street cricket matches.
QM noted that the installations are crafted from scaffolding composed of metal pipes covered with synthetic mesh, offering both durability and an element of playfulness. Wooden benches and essential safety equipment are thoughtfully incorporated, ensuring a comfortable and secure environment for the cricket-playing community.
QM added that the installation's centerpiece is a steel pipe structure, its exterior clothed in an array of captivating hues that seamlessly blend with the urban landscape. This integration with the surroundings not only enhances the visual appeal of the installation but also contributes to the transformation of the perception of street cricket in Doha. Inside each shelter, a gathering space beckons spectators, complete with wooden benches for comfort.
One of the notable features of “Shelters” is its versatility, QM said. The entire installation is designed to be easily dismantled and transported to different locations, offering the potential for the artwork to leave a lasting impact on multiple communities across Qatar.