3D UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Taking viewers to new heights
At 2,722 feet tall, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the tallest building in the world, and has held that title since it opened in 2010. So when the United Arab Emirates celebrated their 40th anniversary as a country, Leon Keer knew this famous skyscraper would be the perfect inspiration for one of his unique 3D urban art paintings. Leon Keer is known for his magical anamorphic paintings, which appear three-dimensional when viewed from the correct angle–even though they’re completely flat on the ground. For the 40th anniversary celebration, Keer decided to paint a picture of the view from the top of the Burj Khalifa. The highest point of this beautiful skyscraper is over half a mile off the ground, so it’s a height that not many people get to reach.
The painting was made on The Corniche, a road in Abu Dhabi that’s a popular area for tourists. People walking to shops and attractions stopped and paused when they saw Keer’s artwork on the side of the road. Public art can go almost anywhere, and it’s very impactful when it’s in unexpected places. Keer’s art is highly interactive, and viewers can participate in the art by posing for pictures and sharing them on social media. By being a part of this memorable art installation, people get to experience a whole new world, a world they couldn’t possibly experience anywhere else.
Besides the Burj Khalifa, Keer was also influenced by other landmarks in United Arab Emirates: The Grand Mosque and Sharjah Souk Al Markazi. He beautifully incorporated architectural details from these majestic buildings into his painting. The pillars, tiles, archways, and emblems scattered throughout Keer’s painting all bring to mind memories of beautiful buildings located in the country being celebrated. By bringing together the best of what makes United Arab Emirates such a beautiful and memorable place, Leon Keer captures the spirit of the country. His art inspires celebration of the culture that makes the country what it is, and it takes viewers to new heights of magical experiences.