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Marta Chilindron

Unexpected Spaces (2025), a permanent installation at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

July 2025

Marta Chilindron, Unexpected Spaces, 2025. Digital print on glass and polished stainless steel, 21’ x 20’ (yellow), 21’ x 35’ (green), 15’ x 27’ 6” (blue). Permanent installation at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Terminal E. Image courtesy of Houston Airports. Photos by Slyworks.
Marta Chilindron, Unexpected Spaces, 2025. Digital print on glass and polished stainless steel, 21’ x 20’ (yellow), 21’ x 35’ (green), 15’ x 27’ 6” (blue). Permanent installation at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Terminal E. Image courtesy of Houston Airports. Photos by Slyworks.
Marta Chilindron, Unexpected Spaces, 2025. Digital print on glass and polished stainless steel, 21’ x 20’ (yellow), 21’ x 35’ (green), 15’ x 27’ 6” (blue). Permanent installation at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Terminal E. Image courtesy of Houston Airports. Photos by Slyworks.
Marta Chilindron, Unexpected Spaces, 2025. Digital print on glass and polished stainless steel, 21’ x 20’ (yellow), 21’ x 35’ (green), 15’ x 27’ 6” (blue). Permanent installation at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Terminal E. Image courtesy of Houston Airports. Photos by Slyworks.
Marta Chilindron, Unexpected Spaces, 2025. Digital print on glass and polished stainless steel, 21’ x 20’ (yellow), 21’ x 35’ (green), 15’ x 27’ 6” (blue). Permanent installation at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Terminal E. Image courtesy of Houston Airports. Photos by Slyworks.
Marta Chilindron, Unexpected Spaces, 2025. Digital print on glass and polished stainless steel, 21’ x 20’ (yellow), 21’ x 35’ (green), 15’ x 27’ 6” (blue). Permanent installation at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Terminal E. Image courtesy of Houston Airports. Photos by Slyworks.
Marta Chilindron, Unexpected Spaces, 2025. Digital print on glass and polished stainless steel, 21’ x 20’ (yellow), 21’ x 35’ (green), 15’ x 27’ 6” (blue). Permanent installation at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Terminal E. Image courtesy of Houston Airports. Photos by Slyworks.

Description

Installed on the departures level of the new IAH Terminal E, Unexpected Spaces by Marta Chilindron transforms the international terminal into a vibrant, immersive environment. Drawing inspiration from the geometric patterns found in nature, Chilindron explores the shifting effects of light through monumental digital images printed on glass. Primary colors—yellow and blue—conceptually merge to create the green centerpiece, forging a harmonious connection across the building’s façade.

Through the dynamic interplay of translucent color and abstract geometry, Chilindron creates complex spatial relationships that engage and envelop travelers. Light and color interact across the panels, generating a dynamic yet calming atmosphere that evokes the energy and movement of international travel. As the artist notes, “My intention is to create a memorable visual work with purpose: that complements the building architecture and soothes and inspires the departing traveler.”

Unexpected Spaces was commissioned by the City of Houston on behalf of Houston Airports through the city’s Civic Art Program and Houston Arts Alliance. “Houston Airports is home to the World’s Best Airport Art program, and Marta Chilindron’s Unexpected Spaces is a powerful new addition to this curated collection. As a record 48.4 million passengers traveled through Bush Airport in 2024—and with all eyes on Houston ahead of the 2026 World Cup—this bold installation offers travelers a museum-quality experience the moment they arrive,” said Alton DuLaney, Chief Curator of Cultural Affairs for the City of Houston. “Chilindron’s work reflects Houston’s global spirit, creative energy, and our commitment to welcoming the world through art.”