With a weight of 120 tonnes, this sculpture is the largest in the region
Mbaye, expected to be the largest and certainly one of the most striking statues is on display during a 60-day art exhibition at Sunset Mall, Jumeirah 3 from August 18, 2021. The gigantic lioness head and feet, centrepiece of the African-themed mega sculpture is designed and built in Dubai.
The entire project has so far taken seven years of design, engineering, and fabrication. Expected to tower at 13m high and weigh a colossal 120 tonne upon completion, Mbaye the Lioness is aptly named after Captain Mbaye Diagne, the slain UN peacekeeping soldier who was killed during the 1994 Rwandan genocide while he was protecting innocent civilians.
According to Inox Arabia, the creators of the one-of-a-kind art exhibition, Mbaye the Lioness is a commemoration of the selfless act of caring demonstrated by the fallen soldier.
“We are delighted and honoured to unveil the ongoing sculpting of Mbaye the Lioness – a work of art that epitomises the love and care that Captain Mbaye Diagne showed to thousands of innocent people that were caught up in the tribal war. The objective of this unique art showcase is to inspire people not only in the UAE, but all over the world to care for others regardless of where they come from,” said Lawton Loraine, the chief artist and creator.
The meticulously carved feet of Mbaye the Lioness are crafted using specially imported marble from Carrara, Italy and mined from a quarry in the Tuscan mountains (the same that was used by Michelangelo), while the giant head is made using 2 tonnes of stainless steel and a type of jade – Aventurine (a rare quartz stone from Brazil) – for its green eyes and Obsidian. These stones are revered in mythology for luck and healing properties.
To show solidarity with people of all nationalities and races, Mbaye the Lioness is being built by people from all over the world including the Philippines, Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Cameroon, Kenya, China, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the UAE.
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Ellington Properties has commissioned Dubai-based artist Neel Shukla to create a bespoke masterpiece for its award-winning residential development, DT1 in Downtown Dubai.
Mask Architects developed a proposal for a public artwork to be located in Nuevo Polanco, Mexico City—”Hole Zero + Timeless Kinetic Art Sculpture” that has been selected as one of five finalists among 340 international projects and Artist for MassivArt and MIRA investment and real estate development company in Mexico.
SSH announced that it will create and develop a unique five-star hotel resort to be located along the majestic shoreline of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). Inspired by the Emirate’s diverse and spectacular natural habitats, the resort will encompass a luxurious and enriching experience, with an instantly recognisable symbol situated at its very heart, the ‘Grand Shell’. This unique free-standing sculpture symbolises the intent of the resort, housing world-class amenities for hotel guests, and visitors alike.
Radisson RED Hotel unveils their latest sculpture designed by Neel Shukla. The falcon sculpture marks the opening year of the hotel and strengthens ties with the local art scene.
Shukla operates Four Winds Gallery in Dubai Design District and other notable works include the W sculpture at W on the palm. Of this project, he said; “RED is such a refreshing brand with a great energy about it. I knew right away this was something I wanted to be involved in. Dubai is probably the most avant-garde city when it comes to art. Quirky art pieces are showcased in so many unique places and spaces all over the city and RED is such a cool space highlighting this vibe and spirit. Visitors indulge in this selfie heaven, hence every wall and every area deserved an incredibly distinct element and story. The falcon will be the first thing people see and so I wanted to create a statement. We wanted to feature the falcon in a powerful way, yet making it unpredictable. The headphones resting on the falcon’s neck signify the falcon’s connection to the new generation and follows the overall design direction of the hotel. It has been a long journey to not only design this piece but ensure its safe installation and I’m very proud and excited to finally see it land”
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