Two Brothers
Two Brothers
Posted 23.08.22
In collaboration with UAP, Dennis Nona developed Two Brothers based on a traditional legend from his home island of Badu. 7m cast bronze canoe is supported by six paddles, raising it 5 meters above the ground. The patterning and position of two mother-of-pearl stars seen on the sides of the canoe’s hull reflect the strong wind (Sagerr) and soft wind (Nagai).
Two Brothers is a part of KAUST ART which is an extensive program of artwork commissions that celebrate the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology as an international platform of collaboration and exchange.
The primary focus of the program is to interpret and present interdisciplinary art and design that stimulates creativity and interaction by engaging prominent artists and designers from around the globe, the project unites East and West to create site-specific solutions exploring world-class practices.
The placement of the artist’s canoe in front of Al-Marsa (the yacht club) is poetic. Nona’s evocative and spiritual work reminds us of a more spartan existence and traditional ways of living. Most importantly, Nona’s work reminds us of the importance of celebrating the ancient in relation to the contemporary and acknowledging the contribution of indigenous cultures to humanity.