Instagram-worthy backdrop brings pop of color to Bush airport
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- If you'll be one of the nearly three million people hustling to catch a flight at Bush Intercontinental this holiday season, keep an eye out for a few displays blooming across the airport.
Ukrainian artist Khrystyna Balushka has been commissioned to install a floral backdrop made entirely of paper. Located in Terminals E, B, and C, the displays feature over 500 colorful flowers and over 1500 leaves -- some hand-dipped in sparkles. The display also has acrylic boxes so that retailers such as Tumi and Swarovski can showcase their products. The message "Happy Holidays" written in gold is the final touch on the piece.
Balushka says it took seven people and 16 hours to install the presentation on the first day. On the second day, she worked 22 hours. "I even slept in a sleeping bag at the airport one night for 40 minutes!" she adds.
"It was one of the biggest challenges of my career. This vast project had to be completed in three weeks. I feel very proud that I was trusted with a big public project. It means that people truly believe in me, in my work," Balushka said.
Balushka owns the company Balushka Paper Floral Artistry, where she makes the flowers by hand in her studio. Her creations have been used to decorate office spaces, music festivals, centerpieces, arches, home decor, and even necklaces and corsages.
A place you can currently find Balushka's work around town is Sugarfina, a luxury candy boutique store located in Nordstrom. If you ever make a stop in Chicago, Balushka's necklaces are sold there in the Museum of Contemporary Art.
The installation at Bush Airport will be up until the first week of January.
