Three new artworks transform IAH Terminal E into a gateway of creativity

Bold geometry, local roots and global stories converge in Terminal E, where public art transforms the passenger journey into a reflection of Houston’s creative spirit.

Jul 28, 2025

Travelers departing from the new Terminal E at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) are now greeted by more than ticket counters and signage. They’re stepping into a dynamic visual experience—a curated trio of public artworks commissioned by Houston Airports that bring bold color, thoughtful geometry and cultural resonance to the heart of international travel.

The newly installed pieces, Unexpected Spaces by Marta Chilindron, Continuous Motion by Graciela Hasper and Horizons Spectrum by Vargas-Suarez Universal, are more than decorative. Each work transforms the architecture of the space and elevates the traveler’s journey, offering a moment of reflection, delight or curiosity in a place typically defined by movement.

“These artists are shaping the emotional and visual landscape of how people experience Houston,” said Alton DuLaney, chief curator of cultural affairs for the City of Houston. “We’re proud to present the World’s Best Airport Art program, and these new commissions reflect that honor.”

Unexpected Spaces, by Uruguay-born artist Marta Chilindron, is a series of suspended glass forms that represent sunlight, foliage and water. Floating above the vestibules that lead to the departures lobby, the translucent geometry filters light into color and turns the act of entering the terminal into a vibrant, meditative moment.

The installation draws on Houston’s natural beauty while creating a quiet, harmonious dialogue between the exterior and interior of the building.

Nearby, Buenos Aires-based artist Graciela Hasper adds momentum with her mural Continuous Motion. Made from 322 painted metal elements arranged in rhythmic geometry, the mural captures the pulse of a city—and an airport—constantly in motion.

Her use of 75 distinct colors and overlapping shapes evokes the diversity and interconnectedness of Houston’s global identity.

Finally, Horizons Spectrum, by Vargas-Suarez Universal, pays homage to Houston’s aerospace legacy with a layered installation of powder-coated aluminum panels and etched airplanes. Raised in the Houston community of Clear Lake, near NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the artist incorporates design elements like the IAH baggage tag barcode and transforms aviation data into art. The result is a visual narrative about precision, energy and the infrastructure of global flight.

The three works embody what makes Houston’s public art program exceptional: bold vision, meaningful storytelling and a sense of place. For three consecutive years, Skytrax has honored Houston Airports with the title of World’s Best Airport Art.

“Art has the power to connect us all,” said DuLaney. “In a space like our new international terminal—where people from all over the world are coming and going—these works remind us of what Houston stands for: innovation, creativity and a warm welcome.”