Hotels often dabble in the arts, with temporary exhibitions and artist-in-residence programmes adding a splash of colour and contemporary culture to well-appointed lobbies and public spaces. But luxury hoteliers have upped the ante in recent years, with many of the world’s top brands introducing full-time curators and art historians to their portfolios, who can guide guests around extensive art collections and advise them on the best places to view and buy art.
The latest brand to formalise its association with the art world is The Peninsula Hotels, which launched its new Art in Resonance programme during Art Basel Hong Kong in March. Specially-commissioned works by a handful of contemporary artists were unveiled and exhibited at The Peninsula Hong Kong ahead of the event, including a striking neon light installation by Chilean artist Iván Navarro.
Following the success of the programme, the second phase was launched at The Peninsula Paris last month during Paris Fashion Week. Curators Isolde Brielmaier and Bettina Prentice invited French artist Elise Morin and New York-based Saya Woolfalk to create new pieces that are exhibited alongside Navarro’s neon sculpture HOME until November 15th. While each piece is striking in its own right, the works exhibited also address big-picture issues including climate change, race and immigration, with a view to creating meaningful conversations among guests and visitors.
Following the success of the programme, the second phase was launched at The Peninsula Paris last month during Paris Fashion Week. Curators Isolde Brielmaier and Bettina Prentice invited French artist Elise Morin and New York-based Saya Woolfalk to create new pieces that are exhibited alongside Navarro’s neon sculpture HOME until November 15th. While each piece is striking in its own right, the works exhibited also address big-picture issues including climate change, race and immigration, with a view to creating meaningful conversations among guests and visitors.