Mubadala HQ, Mayfair
PROJECT
Hanging by a Thread: Celebrating the Ghaf Tree in Mayfair
Mubadala approached Artstory in early 2022 to curate artwork and sculpture for its London HQ in Mayfair. The purpose of the art collection was to enhance the elegant, modern interior designed by Gensler with an eclectic mix of pieces that take inspiration from Mubadala’s home culture in the UAE.
Artstory Worked closely with the Client team to layer in a series of original paintings, glass and bronze sculpture and styling for all areas. This laid the foundations to proceed to the main commission, a 5-metre-wide pin and thread installation by UK artist Debbie Smyth.
The subject is the majestic Ghaf tree, the national tree of the UAE and an historic symbol of stability and peace. This is a tree that can remain drought tolerant and ever-green, even in harsh desert environments. There is something about the steadfast and never-ending hammering in of thousands of pins that echoes the permanence of the subject.
The result is an intricate and tactile artwork that is like a layered, three dimensional ‘drawing’. It reveals itself straight ahead to all visitors to the top executive floor as the elevator doors open.
