Window on the World

Opening its doors to the public, the new Embassy of Kuwait brings more than diplomacy to its neighborhood in Canada’s capital. Located just across the street from the National Gallery of Canada, the new Embassy boasts two significant and original artworks of its own. Both are the work of Canadian glass artist Sarah Hall RCA and they establish the Embassy as an important part of the rich cultural dialogue in Ottawa.  
 
The first and largest piece, located in the main foyer, is an expressive work in gold and glass that frames a graceful white marble staircase. This monumental work, measuring 30’ high by 25’ wide, contains gold and copper leaf painted in gestural, calligraphic images that float across sand- and coral-coloured glass panels. These panels are interspersed by glass columns of screen-painted Islamic design. Fifteen small square landscapes of handmade glass complete the precise, geometric framework. The combination of colours and textures cast ever-changing patterns on the marble staircase and glass balustrade. They are a fitting addition to the Embassy, since Kuwait is revered as the gold capitol of the world.  
 
A smaller, but no less dramatic work is installed at the end of the long north corridor. This is a turquoise gem of glass art, created from sandblasted glass with airbrushed enamels. This piece evokes the azure colour of the Mediterranean Sea, combined with delicately drawn reeds. It is a mesmerizing draw to the corridor’s end. Like its larger cousin, this piece was created by Sarah Hall at Studio Glasmalerei Peters in Paderborn, Germany. Together these works bring a new and exciting artistic vision to this vital section of Sussex Drive. The architect of the elegant new Embassy of Kuwait is Tony Griffiths RCA of Griffiths Rankin Cook Architects.  
 
Embassy of Kuwait  
333 Sussex Drive  
Ottawa  
Canada