Every four years, the ball returns to the pitch to face the best football players, who represent and play to raise their national shield. Win to take that world trophy to the sky and get a star embroidered on their jersey. Less than a week to go until the World Cup kicks off and, this year, Qatar is the venue waiting to bring together the qualified teams. Football and art that unites cultures.
For the first time, an Arab country hosts the event, which is held in autumn. The high temperatures in summer are not optimal for playing. As La Roja hopes to qualify for the final, travelling city by city according to the match pairings. While trying to reach the city of Lusail as their final destination, football fans in the country will also be able to discover the art that surrounds Qatar. And art installations in the form of goals will be present to recall past editions and their winners. Posts of Qatarten goals designed by artists from England, France, Italy, Germany, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Spain. In addition to two goals designed by Qataris.
The union between cultures is the origin of the installation, representing elements of each country of origin, linking it with the cultural heritage that surrounds Qatar. From Qatar Tourism, through its president Mr. Akbar Al Baker, they feel grateful, because during November and December they will be able to show emblematic places. From 8 November to 20 December.
As we prepare to welcome millions of visitors to Qatar over the next two months, we are excited to showcase our most iconic landmarks through the creations of local and international artists. We encourage all visitors who come for football to make the most of their time here by exploring the country and experiencing Qatar’s culture first hand,” says Al Baker.
Ten goals that don’t expect goals, they expect art
The artist Jordi Gil Fernández has been commissioned to frame the desert where the dunes meet the sea, in Inland Sea. From Spain to Qatar fuses cultures through graffiti, representing Spanish and Qatari elements. Soccer images and golden shades to remind us of that goal in the 116th minute that made us champions in 2010 in Johannesburg. In addition to the Spanish goal, England, through Hugo Dalton, has already placed his work in Lusail City Marina. While France awaits art lovers at The Pearl-Qatar, the man-made island where great restaurants and hotels are located in the capital, Doha.
Jordi Gil Fernández with his work designed through graffiti, and the artist Josefina de León, representing Uruguay, admiring the butterflies that accompany the arch.
Sailing Forms – England’s goal, by Hugo Dalton, at Lusail City Marina.
Without leaving Doha, Germany was able to place its goal on the beach in West Bay, Argentina in Aspire Zone, a spot where sport is elementary, being very close to The Torch Doha skyscraper.
Harmony Shining Through The Rose – KEF’s German goal at West Bay Beach.
On the other hand, Italy is located in Katara Cultural Village, a space full of museums and street art, while MIA Park and Place Vendome host Brazil and Argentina, respectively.
Symmetry – Portería de Italia, by Ale Giorgini, in Katara Cultural Village, a neighbourhood dedicated to art and culture.
Finishing with goalposts designed by local artists, Ghada Al-Suwaidi decorates Souq Waqif, the traditional area of Doha, wrapped in spices, cloth and art.
People From Qatar – Global Goal, by Abdulaziz Yousef, in Flag Plaza, one of the most special spots in Qatar thanks to its 119 flags from all over the world.
While Abdulaziz Yousef finishes framing the 119 flags from around the world flying in Flag Square.
Images courtesy of Qatar Tourism
