Desert Waves, a sculpture created by Jean Boghossian in collaboration with Gilles Libert, embodies the theme of excavation while establishing an architectural and symbolic dialogue with the surrounding landscape. Large steel sheets emerge from the desert in a pyramid-like structure that creates a powerful visual connection with the ancient Pyramids of Giza.

The burnt edges of the metal sheets resonate with Jean’s burnt books, exhibited in the Library of Alexandria, symbolising the birth of history from its ashes. Jean’s artistic philosophy revolves around the interplay between creation and destruction, and his use of burning techniques to transform materials into art addresses themes of memory, transformation, and the ephemeral nature of existence. The interplay between the mound and the industrial materiality of the steel creates a narrative of endurance through a contemporary lens. This juxtaposition mirrors how the artefacts of the pyramids themselves harmonise with the natural landscape of the desert.

Like a silent witness to the passage of time, the installation stands before the Pyramids of Giza, bridging ancient history and modern artistic expression and offering an integrated immersive experience by inviting viewers to navigate within its structure via a staircase leading to an observation point atop the mound. Viewers can perceive the timeless surrounding landscape in a new and engaging way, reflecting on the passage of time and the layers of history that lie beneath their feet. A heartfelt thanks to Gilles Libert, with whom I collaborated on the concept and realisation of this sculpture. I am deeply grateful to my wife Cathy, for her patience, love, and unwavering support, and to the entire team at Studio Boghossian for their dedication. Special thanks to Lisa De Boeck, Director of Studio Boghossian, for her tireless devotion, and to Garo Bardakjian, a promising young talent I invested in years ago, who has played a pivotal role in advising and coordinating this project.