tanding tall at the end of Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park is the breathtaking art piece called the ‘7’ sculpture.
This almost 80-foot high steel artwork was designed by American artist Richard Serra. It was unveiled in 2011 and it is the tallest artwork ever created by Serra. It is made from 7 steel plates - each 78 feet high and 8 feet wide - arranged in a heptagonal or seven-sided shape.
The geometric layout of the sculpture and stability of the plates were tested under wind and seismic loads.
The supports accommodate the expansion and contraction of the plates due to the large temperature gradients in the Middle East.
The sculpture reflects the reaction of metals to the corrosive saltwater spray from the sea, creating an intense colour and surface texture.
The magnificent sculpture celebrates the spiritual and scientific significance of the number 7 in Islamic culture and heritage. Speaking about his artwork, Serra says, “I’ve been making towers for 30 years, and I’ve made several towers. But I’ve never made a tower like this tower”.
— Text and photos by Muhammad Saad
Photo by Muhammad Saad
