Stories of art from world leading experts

Discover Concordia (2025), a landmark instillation by the world's leading stained glass artist, Sir Brian Clarke, at Bahrain International Airport. Spanning 34 metres in width and 17 metres in height, it is one of the largest stained glass installations in the world. From concept to completion, discover how intricate craftsmanship, bold design and centuries-old techniques come together in a one-of-a-kind public art installation. Concordia marks the culmination of Clarke’s decades-long practice, incorporating in its design some of the artist’s most celebrated motifs – including poppies, daffodils and oak leaves – while also referencing his long-established interest in Islamic ornamentation: ‘Everything I have ever learned about stained glass is in some way expressed in this. Concordia integrates multiple cultural influences into its design, creating a harmonious fusion of styles that reflect Bahrain’s role as a meeting point between East and West. The piece blends the mathematical precision of traditional Islamic geometric patterns, inspired by Clarke’s visits to Morocco, with natural elements symbolic of Bahrain’s landscape, such as jasmine flowers, dragonflies, and hawks. Additionally, the work draws from Western artistic traditions, referencing medieval European tapestries and illuminated manuscripts from the Book of Hours.