• American artist Michael Heizer's 'City', which has been 50 years in the making, will be finally opening to the public between September 2 and November 1 for the 2022 season. All photos: Michael Heizer / Triple Aught Foundation
    American artist Michael Heizer's 'City', which has been 50 years in the making, will be finally opening to the public between September 2 and November 1 for the 2022 season. All photos: Michael Heizer / Triple Aught Foundation
  • 'Complex One' was the first portion of the sitebuilt by Heizer and is reminiscent of mastabas, the rectangular flat-roofed burial structures of the ancient Egyptians.
    'Complex One' was the first portion of the sitebuilt by Heizer and is reminiscent of mastabas, the rectangular flat-roofed burial structures of the ancient Egyptians.
  • '45°, 90°, 180°' features a series of triangular and rectangular slabs on a concrete plaza.
    '45°, 90°, 180°' features a series of triangular and rectangular slabs on a concrete plaza.
  • Much of the clay, sand and rock used to make 'City' was sourced from the surrounding desert valley in Lincoln County, Nevada.
    Much of the clay, sand and rock used to make 'City' was sourced from the surrounding desert valley in Lincoln County, Nevada.
  • The artwork takes its cues from ancient ritualistic structures and was inspired by Heizer’s study of the Chichen Itza.
    The artwork takes its cues from ancient ritualistic structures and was inspired by Heizer’s study of the Chichen Itza.

Michael Heizer's megaproject 'City', 50 years in the making, to finally open to the public


Razmig Bedirian
  • English
  • Arabic

Michael Heizer’s City has been finally revealed, half a century after the land artist began the colossal earthwork.

The installation lives up to its name as a cluster of concrete, dirt and stone structures, stretching for more than two kilometres in an obscure part of the Nevada desert. The site is tucked in between several mountain ranges and is being touted as the world’s largest contemporary artwork.

City will be opening to the public between September 2 and November 1. Visits will be limited to a number of days every year and require online reservation.

Heizer is one of the forerunners of the 20th-Century land art movement, with large, site-specific sculptures that occupy spaces beyond traditional museums and galleries. He is renowned for works including his 1976 sculpture Adjacent, Against, Upon, which contrasts three monumental granite tablets with cast concrete plinths, as well as Levitated Mass, a 2012 boulder-like installation on permanent display at the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art.

Swathed in secrecy, City was long rumoured to be Heizer's magnum opus and has been a 50-year-old mystery to the art world.

Work on the project began in 1970, and it has since cost $40 million to complete. Dozens of workers from Lincoln County were employed to help Heizer construct the piece, which was originally intended to be completed before 2010.

'City' takes its cues from ancient ritualistic structures and was inspired by Heizer’s study of the Chichen Itza. Photo: Michael Heizer / Triple Aught Foundation
'City' takes its cues from ancient ritualistic structures and was inspired by Heizer’s study of the Chichen Itza. Photo: Michael Heizer / Triple Aught Foundation

Admission will cost $150 but it's free to residents of Nevada’s Lincoln, Nye and White Pine counties. Only six people can visit the site on any given day. Transport to and from the artwork from Alamo will be provided by organisers. City is owned and managed by the non-profit Triple Aught Foundation.

Much of the clay, sand and rock used to make the sculpture was sourced from the surrounding desert valley in Lincoln County. The materials were gathered using techniques that would not adversely affect the local flora and fauna.

The artwork takes its cues from ancient ritualistic structures and was inspired by Heizer’s study of the Chichen Itza, an ancient Mayan city in the Mexican state of Yucatan. It also draws from minimalist and postindustrial design.

'Complex One' in Michael Heizer's 'City' project. Photo: Michael Heizer / Triple Aught Foundation
'Complex One' in Michael Heizer's 'City' project. Photo: Michael Heizer / Triple Aught Foundation

City is anchored around two major structures. Complex One was the first portion of the site that Heizer built and is reminiscent of the rectangular flat-roofed burial structures of the ancient Egyptians.

Another, named 45°, 90°, 180° features a series of triangular and rectangular slabs on a concrete plaza. The shapes, which vary in size, are a deconstruction of a single monumental wedge.

There is no clear start or end point for City. Visitors are encouraged to take their time as they amble around the site’s hills and gravelly pathways, to absorb the spectrum of beiges and greys. Heizer has called the work “democratic art, art for the ages.”

“I am not here to tell people what it means,” he told The New York Times. “You can figure it out for yourself.”

Much of the $40m it took to construct City came as gifts, as well as Heizer’s own funds. Financial help has also come from private individuals as well as cultural institutions, including the Lannan Foundation, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Dia Art Foundation and the Museum of Modern Art.

“Over the years I would sometimes compare Heizer’s City project to some of the most important ancient monuments and cities,” said Michael Govan, director and chief executive of Los Angeles County Museum of Art, one of City’s patron institutions.

“But now I only compare it to itself. It’s an artwork aware of our primal impulses to build and organise space, but it incorporates our modernity, our awareness of and reflection upon the subjectivity of our human experience of time and space, as well as the many histories of civilisations we have built.”

Scroll through the images below of public sculptures in the UAE

  • 'The Scroll' sculpture outside the House of Wisdom in Sharjah. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
    'The Scroll' sculpture outside the House of Wisdom in Sharjah. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • 'Win, Victory, Love', by Tim Bravington, is a statue in Burj Park depicting the hand of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
    'Win, Victory, Love', by Tim Bravington, is a statue in Burj Park depicting the hand of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
  • Heart-shaped artwork in Downtown Dubai. 'Love Me' by sculptor Richard Hudson.
    Heart-shaped artwork in Downtown Dubai. 'Love Me' by sculptor Richard Hudson.
  • 'Scales of Justice' is in Ras Al Khaimah.
    'Scales of Justice' is in Ras Al Khaimah.
  • 'Ring' by Arnaud Lapierre is made with mirrored blocks.
    'Ring' by Arnaud Lapierre is made with mirrored blocks.
  • 'Khalvat' by Sahand Hesamiyan.
    'Khalvat' by Sahand Hesamiyan.
  • 'Khalvat' by Sahand Hesamiyan seen from the inside.
    'Khalvat' by Sahand Hesamiyan seen from the inside.
  • Unknown sculpture outside Burj Vista.
    Unknown sculpture outside Burj Vista.
  • 'Mojo' by Idriss B.
    'Mojo' by Idriss B.
  • 'Together' by Lutfi Romhein.
    'Together' by Lutfi Romhein.
  • 'Front Liners', a tribute to key workers of the UAE in Dubai Science Park.
    'Front Liners', a tribute to key workers of the UAE in Dubai Science Park.
  • 'Wings of Mexico' by Jorge Marin in Burj Plaza, Dubai.
    'Wings of Mexico' by Jorge Marin in Burj Plaza, Dubai.
  • Mirek Struzik's 'Dandelions'.
    Mirek Struzik's 'Dandelions'.
  • An alternative view of 'Ring', by Arnaud Lapierre.
    An alternative view of 'Ring', by Arnaud Lapierre.
The story in numbers

18

This is how many recognised sects Lebanon is home to, along with about four million citizens

450,000

More than this many Palestinian refugees are registered with UNRWA in Lebanon, with about 45 per cent of them living in the country’s 12 refugee camps

1.5 million

There are just under 1 million Syrian refugees registered with the UN, although the government puts the figure upwards of 1.5m

73

The percentage of stateless people in Lebanon, who are not of Palestinian origin, born to a Lebanese mother, according to a 2012-2013 study by human rights organisation Frontiers Ruwad Association

18,000

The number of marriages recorded between Lebanese women and foreigners between the years 1995 and 2008, according to a 2009 study backed by the UN Development Programme

77,400

The number of people believed to be affected by the current nationality law, according to the 2009 UN study

4,926

This is how many Lebanese-Palestinian households there were in Lebanon in 2016, according to a census by the Lebanese-Palestinian dialogue committee

The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo

Power: 435hp at 5,900rpm

Torque: 520Nm at 1,800-5,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Price: from Dh498,542

On sale: now

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Results:

2.15pm: Handicap (PA) Dh60,000 1,200m.

Winner: AZ Dhabyan, Adam McLean (jockey), Saleha Al Ghurair (trainer).

2.45pm: Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 1,200m.

Winner: Ashton Tourettes, Sam Hitchcott, Ibrahim Aseel.

3.15pm: Conditions (PA) Dh60,000 2,000m.

Winner: Hareer Al Reef, Gerald Avranche, Abdallah Al Hammadi.

3.45pm: Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 1,700m.

Winner: Kenz Al Reef, Gerald Avranche, Abdallah Al Hammadi.

4.15pm: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup (TB) Dh 200,000 1,700m.

Winner: Mystique Moon, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson.

4.45pm: The Crown Prince Of Sharjah Cup Prestige (PA) Dh200,000 1,200m.

Winner: ES Ajeeb, Sam Hitchcott, Ibrahim Aseel.

Tuesday's fixtures
Group A
Kyrgyzstan v Qatar, 5.45pm
Iran v Uzbekistan, 8pm
N Korea v UAE, 10.15pm
Quick%20facts
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EStorstockholms%20Lokaltrafik%20(SL)%20offers%20free%20guided%20tours%20of%20art%20in%20the%20metro%20and%20at%20the%20stations%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20tours%20are%20free%20of%20charge%3B%20all%20you%20need%20is%20a%20valid%20SL%20ticket%2C%20for%20which%20a%20single%20journey%20(valid%20for%2075%20minutes)%20costs%2039%20Swedish%20krone%20(%243.75)%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ETravel%20cards%20for%20unlimited%20journeys%20are%20priced%20at%20165%20Swedish%20krone%20for%2024%20hours%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EAvoid%20rush%20hour%20%E2%80%93%20between%209.30%20am%20and%204.30%20pm%20%E2%80%93%20to%20explore%20the%20artwork%20at%20leisure%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
The lowdown

Bohemian Rhapsody

Director: Bryan Singer

Starring: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee

Rating: 3/5

World record transfers

1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m

The specs

Engine: 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 582bhp

Torque: 730Nm

Price: Dh649,000

On sale: now  

Essentials
The flights

Return flights from Dubai to Windhoek, with a combination of Emirates and Air Namibia, cost from US$790 (Dh2,902) via Johannesburg.
The trip
A 10-day self-drive in Namibia staying at a combination of the safari camps mentioned – Okonjima AfriCat, Little Kulala, Desert Rhino/Damaraland, Ongava – costs from $7,000 (Dh25,711) per person, including car hire (Toyota 4x4 or similar), but excluding international flights, with The Luxury Safari Company.
When to go
The cooler winter months, from June to September, are best, especially for game viewing. 

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

What to watch out for:

Algae, waste coffee grounds and orange peels will be used in the pavilion's walls and gangways

The hulls of three ships will be used for the roof

The hulls will painted to make the largest Italian tricolour in the country’s history

Several pillars more than 20 metres high will support the structure

Roughly 15 tonnes of steel will be used

Mia Man’s tips for fermentation

- Start with a simple recipe such as yogurt or sauerkraut

- Keep your hands and kitchen tools clean. Sanitize knives, cutting boards, tongs and storage jars with boiling water before you start.

- Mold is bad: the colour pink is a sign of mold. If yogurt turns pink as it ferments, you need to discard it and start again. For kraut, if you remove the top leaves and see any sign of mold, you should discard the batch.

- Always use clean, closed, airtight lids and containers such as mason jars when fermenting yogurt and kraut. Keep the lid closed to prevent insects and contaminants from getting in.

 

if you go

The flights

Fly to Rome with Etihad (www.etihad.ae) or Emirates (www.emirates.com) from Dh2,480 return including taxes. The flight takes six hours. Fly from Rome to Trapani with Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) from Dh420 return including taxes. The flight takes one hour 10 minutes. 

The hotels 

The author recommends the following hotels for this itinerary. In Trapani, Ai Lumi (www.ailumi.it); in Marsala, Viacolvento (www.viacolventomarsala.it); and in Marsala Del Vallo, the Meliaresort Dimore Storiche (www.meliaresort.it).

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

Sustainable Development Goals

1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere

2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation

10. Reduce inequality  within and among countries

11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects

14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development

Zakat definitions

Zakat: an Arabic word meaning ‘to cleanse’ or ‘purification’.

Nisab: the minimum amount that a Muslim must have before being obliged to pay zakat. Traditionally, the nisab threshold was 87.48 grams of gold, or 612.36 grams of silver. The monetary value of the nisab therefore varies by current prices and currencies.

Zakat Al Mal: the ‘cleansing’ of wealth, as one of the five pillars of Islam; a spiritual duty for all Muslims meeting the ‘nisab’ wealth criteria in a lunar year, to pay 2.5 per cent of their wealth in alms to the deserving and needy.

Zakat Al Fitr: a donation to charity given during Ramadan, before Eid Al Fitr, in the form of food. Every adult Muslim who possesses food in excess of the needs of themselves and their family must pay two qadahs (an old measure just over 2 kilograms) of flour, wheat, barley or rice from each person in a household, as a minimum.

The Byblos iftar in numbers

29 or 30 days – the number of iftar services held during the holy month

50 staff members required to prepare an iftar

200 to 350 the number of people served iftar nightly

160 litres of the traditional Ramadan drink, jalab, is served in total

500 litres of soup is served during the holy month

200 kilograms of meat is used for various dishes

350 kilograms of onion is used in dishes

5 minutes – the average time that staff have to eat
 

Who is Tim-Berners Lee?

Sir Tim Berners-Lee was born in London in a household of mathematicians and computer scientists. Both his mother, Mary Lee, and father, Conway, were early computer scientists who worked on the Ferranti 1 - the world's first commercially-available, general purpose digital computer. Sir Tim studied Physics at the University of Oxford and held a series of roles developing code and building software before moving to Switzerland to work for Cern, the European Particle Physics laboratory. He developed the worldwide web code as a side project in 1989 as a global information-sharing system. After releasing the first web code in 1991, Cern made it open and free for all to use. Sir Tim now campaigns for initiatives to make sure the web remains open and accessible to all.

Women’s World T20, Asia Qualifier

UAE results
Beat China by 16 runs
Lost to Thailand by 10 wickets
Beat Nepal by five runs
Beat Hong Kong by eight wickets
Beat Malaysia by 34 runs

Standings (P, W, l, NR, points)

1. Thailand 5 4 0 1 9
2. UAE 5 4 1 0 8
3. Nepal 5 2 1 2 6
4. Hong Kong 5 2 2 1 5
5. Malaysia 5 1 4 0 2
6. China 5 0 5 0 0

Final
Thailand v UAE, Monday, 7am

Updated: August 22, 2022, 2:40 PM