Travelers who will soon pass through the new Terminal D-West Pier at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) are poised to enjoy eight newly commissioned artworks, enhancing the aesthetic experience of Houston's international gateway.

The pieces are part of a larger initiative to install 12 site-specific art commissions throughout the new Mickey Leland International Terminal, including a new International Central Processor. The multi-million-dollar investment is a collaboration between Houston Airports, the City of Houston's Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs, and the Houston Arts Alliance.

"These artworks are a testament to Houston's rich artistic talent and our commitment to creating a world-class airport experience," said Alton DuLaney, Houston Airports Curator of Public Art. "It is exciting to share this inspiring new art with airport passengers."

The six installations at each new gatehouse were created by Houston-area artists, reflecting the welcoming nature of Houston, a city known for its distinct culture and rich diversity. An international Latina artist was chosen at each end of the new Terminal D-West Pier, referencing Houston's position as the gateway to Latin America.

The commissioned artists for the Terminal D-West Pier installations are:
•    Emilie Duval – Delightful Convergence (Gate D1)
•    Gerardo Rosales – Blue Bayou (Gate D2)
•    Reginald Adams – Sankofa (Gate D3)
•    Lovie Olivia – Comforter (Gate D4)
•    Leslie Gaworecki, Marlo Saucedo and  Emanual "Outspoken" Bean – Uniquely Houston (Gate D5)
•    Nick Vaughan and Jake Margolin – Montrose (Gate D6)
•    Carolina Caycedo – Nuestro Cosmos (D-West Hold Room)
•    Regina SIveira – Paradise - (Knuckle where Terminal C meets Terminal D)

One of the standout pieces is a vibrant three-piece mosaic titled "Sankofa" by Reginald Adams. The installation greets passengers with color and intricate patterns that pay homage to Houston's multicultural heritage.

"What really inspired this series of mosaic murals into this space is all about the journey," said Reginald Adams, the Houston-based artist who created three pieces for IAH Terminal D Gate 3. "Sankofa is a West African term meaning 'return to your roots,' to know your future, to understand your past and know your future. So, this mural is an inspiration of that journey for us to return to our roots."

Adams shared that he's excited to bring this artwork to such a dynamic space as the international terminal. "What makes this particular project so different is we couldn't see the space until the work was done," said Adams of the new Pier, which is still under construction. "Everything was based on construction drawings and dimensions on paper, so there was a little bit of a risk in that we produced an entire series of unseen murals. It wasn't until recently that we were able to come to see the physical space."

His measurements worked out. The mosaic features sacred geometric mandalas and fits perfectly in its designated space. "Mandalas are shapes and forms that people from all over the world can recognize and resonate with," explained Adams. "We want this to be a visual welcome to Houston. We hope it receives each arriving passenger with love and sends each departing traveler off with positive vibrations."

Emilie Duval's installation, with its fluid lines and dynamic forms, references some of Houston's iconic imagery, such as the Medical Center, the Space Station, and the James Turrell Skyspace at Rice University.

The trio of Marlo Saucedo, Leslie Gaworecki and Outspoken Bean join forces to create a piece that combines text and imagery to tell stories of Houston's past and present, creating a narrative thread that connects travelers to the city. The former Poet Laureate Emanuel "Outspoken" Bean composed original poetry incorporated into the paintings, encouraging reflection among passengers while offering a moment of calm amid the bustling terminal environment.

Gerardo Rosales painted a mural, "Blue Bayou," inspired by Houston's natural beauty and green spaces. Rosales, a native of Venezuela, moved to Houston 23 years ago. He shared that, initially, it was difficult for him to adjust to Houston. But when he opened his heart to the 4th largest city in the United States, Rosales discovered commonalities between Venezuela and Houston – the lush green spaces that invite peace and tranquility.

"The colors that I chose for my mural are colors in the cool palette," said Rosales. "The intention was to create a soothing feeling after a long flight. The hope is passengers will be relaxed flying in or out of Houston upon viewing the intentional artwork."

Rosales spent six months producing the commissioned piece, which took only one day to install. It's his very first piece on display at an airport.

"It's a privilege to share my work at the airport," said Rosales, "to expose my work to so many people in a public space."

These artworks are more than just decorative elements; they are integral to the passenger experience, providing moments of beauty and contemplation. "The integration of art into the airport's design is a commitment to creating an environment that is both functional and inspiring," DuLaney noted. "We want travelers to leave a lasting impression of Houston's unique and creative spirit."

The eight new artworks at Terminal D-West Pier are the first of many installations planned for IAH as part of the airport's extensive redevelopment project. Once the project is complete in 2025, over a dozen new site-specific commissions and nearly 30 new portable works of art will be installed, further solidifying Houston's award-winning reputation as having the World's Best Airport Art Program. 

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