Innovative Datecrete Bee Hotel Wins Christo And Jeanne-Claude Award 2024

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) and the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) have revealed the winners of The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award 2024. This year’s award, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, was given to Sara Farha and Khaled Shalkha.

Sara Farha, an architectural engineer and urban planner, is passionate about material science and designing solutions that address environmental needs. Khaled Shalkha, a chemical engineer, excels in solving problems at the intersection of culture, economy, and policy. Together, they founded Datecrete Studio, focusing on innovative material design.

Their winning project, Datecrete Bee Hotel, merges material science with ecological awareness. It uses a new building material made from date pits without concrete or resin. The structure will attract solitary bees for three months, with the process documented on film. The final artwork may combine the sculpture and film to showcase bee interactions.

Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF, stated, "Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, and in collaboration with the NYUAD Art Gallery, the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award is now in its twelfth year. The award continues to serve as a beacon for the creative industries, fostering innovation in visual arts, sculpture, and art installations."

Emily Doherty, Director of The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award, noted that this year marks the twelfth edition of the award. She said it is one of the longest-running art awards in the UAE and prioritises supporting emerging artists in the region. Sara and Khaled will now embark on an eight-month production period supported by NYUAD Art Gallery team and their mentor Dr. Christianna Bonin.

Maya Allison, Executive Director of NYUAD Art Gallery and Chief Curator at NYUAD University said, "Every year I am inspired by the talent and original thinking of emerging creatives in the UAE. Datecrete Bee Hotel connects material innovation with nature."

A Launch Pad for Artists

The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award aims to encourage new artwork across the UAE. It offers winners insight into professional life as an artist from commission to exhibition. The programme is open to UAE-based students and recent graduates.

Dr. Christianna Bonin mentored Sara Farha and Khaled Shalkha during their project development. Dr. Bonin is an Assistant Professor at the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at American University of Sharjah (AUS).

The award aligns perfectly with ADMAF's commitment to cultivating emerging talent and inspiring Emirati creative practitioners.

This year's winning project exemplifies how innovative materials can be used in art while promoting ecological awareness.

With inputs from WAM