Louvre Abu Dhabi

Through my research work regarding Julfar Ware, concerning the materials and clays available in the UAE, I was commissioned to source and collect UAE clays for the Earth of the World Vase, a new artwork to be installed in the atrium of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. 

I worked with Dr Mustafa Otaki an amazing Syrian geologist to source and dig six different types of clay to complete the Earth of the World Vase, part of the germination series conceptualised by Giuseppe Penone. 

The UAE clays were sent to the Sèvres porcelain factory in Paris and made into enamels to finish and add colour to the piece, which was created with clays from all over the world, reflecting the museum's global cultural stance. It was amazing to see the impact of my research through this piece, and it makes me smile to think what the Julfar potters of RAK would make of their representation and inclusion in the atrium of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.