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."
