Houston welcomed a world-renowned artist to celebrate a breathtaking new addition to its international gateway. Brazilian artist Regina Silveira, known for her bold and immersive installations, visited the Bayou City in January to mark the completion of Paradise (Flight, Wind, Mix), a monumental public artwork in the newly expanded Terminal D at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

Commissioned as part of Houston Airports’ multi-million-dollar investment in public art, Paradise transforms the traveler’s journey into a dreamlike experience of movement, sky and flight. Installed near Gate D1, the trilogy of works—spanning the ceiling, floor and walls—captures the delicate yet powerful beauty of winged insects native to Texas, offering a poetic reflection on travel, transformation and the open skies above.

Silveira’s artistic vision unfolds in three dynamic layers. Paradise (Flight) features a striking ceiling installation composed of four concentric rectangles of digitally printed, laminated glass arranged to create a sense of upward movement. Below, Paradise (Wind) mirrors this composition in terrazzo on the floor, creating a deep illusion of space. Finally, Paradise (Mix) adds a vibrant splash of color on a glass wall panel, layering more imagery of insects in flight. Together, the elements immerse passengers in a surreal and elegant dance of motion—where the airport itself becomes a living canvas.

For Silveira, the project represents more than just an artistic statement. It’s an invitation to pause and embrace the wonder of movement. "Airports are places of transition, places where people cross paths, embark on journeys and return home," Silveira said. "With Paradise, I wanted to create an environment that captures that sense of travel and connection, where the sky itself becomes part of the experience."

Silveira’s work is part of the Houston Airport System's ongoing commitment to transforming its terminals into spaces that inspire, engage and reflect the city’s rich cultural diversity. The installation is one of 12 site-specific commissioned artworks planned for the new international terminal at IAH, which will continue opening in phases through 2025.

The project was made possible through a collaboration between Houston Airports, the Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) and the Houston Arts Alliance, reinforcing the city's dedication to public art as an essential part of its identity.

"Art has the power to transform spaces and elevate the passenger experience," said Alton DuLaney, curator of public art for Houston Airports. "Regina Silveira’s Paradise is a stunning example of how an airport can be more than just a place of transit—it can be a place of inspiration, storytelling and wonder."

As Houston Airports continues its ambitious redevelopment of Terminal D, the addition of Paradise is a glimpse of what’s to come. The growing collection of public art at IAH and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is designed to create a uniquely Houston welcome for the more than 60 million travelers who pass through each year.

"Every detail of the international terminal expansion has been designed with the passenger experience in mind," said DuLaney. "From cutting-edge technology to world-class art installations, we’re creating a space that embodies Houston’s spirit of innovation and hospitality."

With Silveira’s work now a permanent part of the airport’s landscape, passengers arriving at Terminal D won’t just be stepping into a world-class travel hub—they’ll be walking into a masterpiece.