Shuttle

Daniel Canogar Studio - Red Sea International Airport

Called Shuttle, this 6m by 9m and 1,000kg spiraling sculpture by Daniel Canogar hangs in the welcome center at RSI providing a stunning entrance for passengers arriving and departing. Visible on ribbon-like LED screens, colorful patterns play across the surface evoking a loom. Daniel Canogar is a contemporary visual artist based between Madrid and L.A., specializing in new media installations that probe our technologically evolving society. Faithful to the spirit of The Red Sea destination, which sees nature as its greatest asset, Shuttle is connected to the environment through live data feeds, capturing real-time wind and water patterns. Depending on the data — wind speed or ocean current temperature — the motifs on the screens change dynamically, depicted in the dazzling colors of The Red Sea’s water, sky and earth. The design is inspired by local Sadu, wool fabrics characterized by contrasting colors in geometric motifs and culturally relevant symbols traditionally created by weavers across Saudi Arabia. Sadu was declared as intangible cultural heritage worthy of protection by Unesco in 2020. For the completion of the piece, the artist worked closely with Dr. Delayel Al-Qahtani, an expert in Sadu weaving to ensure the work was grounded in local and Saudi cultural heritage.

Through Shuttle Canogar offers a contemporary interpretation of this ancient artform. As a digital and generative artwork, the artist’s algorithm translates data into symbolic references of Sadu motifs. The patterns and colors fluctuate with the weather through an infinite number of combinations.  

Daniel Canogar, the artist, said: “Mixing tradition with cutting-edge technology, and referencing environmental phenomena of the stunning surrounding landscape, Shuttle welcomes arriving passengers to The Red Sea with the spirit of the region they will soon discover in their adventures ahead.” 

Project Team:

Daniel Canogar Studio - Daneil Canogar, Diego Mellado, Diogo, Ana Saracho, Victioria Álvarez Conde,

Aimes: Michelle Guerin, Jim Woodall, Rakan Maher, Ghislaine Pardo, Katy Spurrell

Client - Red Sea International