News

Olafur Eliasson contributes installation to Qatar exhibition as part of its World Cup preparations

Lots to reflect upon in the al-Zubarah desert, but no rainbow panoramas in sight

Santiago Sebastian

The subtext is there every time a famous person is connected with Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 World Cup, which begins on November 20.

From David Beckham, to former Danish national keeper Peter Schmeichel, who earlier this week confirmed he will be working for Qatari broadcaster BeIN Sports, the condemnation can be read between the lines.

And now another Dane has been outed for his contribution to Qatar: the internationally-renowned artist Olafur Eliasson, who is currently exhibiting an outdoor art installation in the middle of the al-Zubarah desert in northern Qatar.

Rainbow man
Eliasson’s contribution is part of Qatar Creates Week, a celebration of culture, fashion and art being held in connection with the desert state’s hosting of the football World Cup.

A work made of metal and apparently mirrored glass, the Danish-Icelandic artist is well known for his use of elemental materials to better comprehend the human experience.

His most famous work can be found at the Aros Museum in Aarhus: the 150-metre long, three-metre wide rainbow panorama – circular glass walkway that bears all the colours of the spectrum.

TOP STORIES

  • The Lynch Interviews: Fergal O’Byrne

    The Lynch Interviews: Fergal O’Byrne

    English-Australian writer and theatre director Stuart Lynch contributes a monthly column titled “The Lynch Interviews”. In this series, he engages with prominent internationals residing in Denmark or Danish individuals with a global perspective. For April, he interviews Irish playwright and writer Fergal O’Byrne, fresh from an acclaimed season of a new English-language play in Copenhagen.

  • Why your talented internationals aren’t moving up the ladder – and what to do about it

    Why your talented internationals aren’t moving up the ladder – and what to do about it

    Many internationals find it difficult to advance in their new workplaces, and some quietly leave. It’s not because they lack talent. In Denmark, careers are shaped not only by skills but also by cultural understanding, informal networks, and social signals. However, internationals may not be familiar with this system or know how to navigate it

  • The international behind Donkey Republic: how a Turkish systems thinker reimagined urban mobility in Denmark

    The international behind Donkey Republic: how a Turkish systems thinker reimagined urban mobility in Denmark

    Erdem Ovacık, co-founder of Donkey Republic, built one of Europe’s leading bike-sharing companies from Denmark — but success as an international entrepreneur hasn’t come easy

  • Denmark hits 66.2 million overnight stays: what’s fueling the rise?

    Denmark hits 66.2 million overnight stays: what’s fueling the rise?

    In 2024, Denmark saw 1.5 million more overnight stays than in 2023, bringing the total to 66.2 million staying in hotels, holiday centers, campsites, and youth hostels. It’s clear: after COVID-19, traveling is now back on the table. But the question is: why are people choosing Denmark?

  • World Cup in Ice Hockey will face off in Herning

    World Cup in Ice Hockey will face off in Herning

    As in 2018, Denmark will co-host the Ice Hockey World Championship. And once again, Herning and Jyske Bank Boxen will be the hosts. Denmark is in Pool B and starts tonight with a match against the USA, which, given the political tensions between the two countries, may be an icy affair.

  • Diplomatic tensions between US and Denmark after spying rumors

    Diplomatic tensions between US and Denmark after spying rumors

    A Wall Street Journal article describes that the US will now begin spying in Greenland. This worries the Danish foreign minister, who wants an explanation from the US’s leading diplomat. Greenlandic politicians think that Trump’s actions increase the sense of insecurity

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs