Hotel Soul Celebrates the “Miracles” of Modern China with Original Artwork - Suzhou
|
|
Hotel Soul Celebrates the “Miracles” of Modern China with Original Artwork - Suzhou
|
Category: Asia Pacific - China
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2011-01-31
An unprecedented visual experience created by Hotel Soul in collaboration with Suzhou Art & Design Technology Institute
Hotel Soul in Suzhou has recently introduced 19 stunning original artworks created by young local artists from Suzhou Art & Design Technology Institute. Designed as a permanent collection at the hotel, these three-dimensional artworks are now on display in the hotel lobby, 4th floor rooftop garden, indoor courtyards, meeting rooms, public areas as well as the elevator foyer for guests to appreciate while experiencing the hotel.
Resonating with the hotel’s philosophy, these artworks are especially designed and produced to celebrate the accomplishments of modern China during its transformation; and they are ingeniously integrated into the hotel’s interior design. Through a multitude of classical and contemporary artistic approaches originating from both East and West, they juxtapose elements of both modern and ancient China.
They also take a wildly imaginative view of human lifestyle in terms of the basic necessities, marking a sharp contrast between the lifestyles of the past and the present as we adapt to ever-changing advancements of technology. In keeping with the hotel’s thematic design concept, these artworks not only celebrate the nation’s remarkable swift modernisation, but also pay tribute to its distinguished past.
The 225-room Hotel Soul is the first hotel in Suzhou styled with contemporary design and modern art. Since its opening, the hotel has attracted many foreign and Chinese guests, and has given the ancient city of Suzhou, traditionally acclaimed the “Heaven on Earth”, a palette of bold, modern colours.
“Hotel Soul’s unique and innovative concepts reflect our vision for boutique hotels which we feel should be innovative and showcase the original works of local artists. These pieces of art produced by the students of Suzhou Art & Design Technology Institute will definitely bring exceptional visual stimuli to our guests and contribute to their “miraculous” experience,” says Mr. Strauss Cheung, the Vice President - China of GR8 Leisure Concept.
The idea and production of the unique art collection were conceived and organized long before the opening of the hotel. The entire production and installation process lasted for over 18 months, and resulted in collaborative efforts between Hotel Soul and the 8 young, talented artists from Suzhou Art & Design Technology Institute, (7 of them are art students all under the age of 25).
From solid sculptures, multimedia interfaces and light boxes to materials and fixtures in mixed media, the 19 pieces of original artwork are created in various art forms to explain how the essence of Chinese culture has led to breakthroughs in human civilisation.
Lu Jin, a teacher from Suzhou Art & Design TechnologyInstitute in charge of this project points out, “This art collection for Hotel Soul is themed ‘Historic Miracles’. By contrasting the East and the West, the modern and the ancient, technology and humanity, as well as traditional and avant-garde spirit in a surreal and imaginative approach, the collection redefines the role and significance of the Chinese nation in innovation and creation.”
The Beyond Abacus, for instance, compares the abacus, one of the four great inventions of ancient China, to today’s GPS system; while the art piece El Dorado tells the story of how coins were invented as a form of currency in China but are now being replaced with digitalised credit cards. Each of these original creations is specially themed, and perfectly integrated with the modern concepts of Hotel Soul.
Bringing elements of China’s past alive in a contemporary urban style is the motto of Hotel Soul. Its architecture uses vibrant colors, fun textures and space-age fixtures to bring guests into a futuristic frontier. Ancient and contemporary artifacts and paintings are juxtaposed to enhance the interiors, and emphasise the marvels of China’s modern day multi-faceted advancement.
“The concept of the hotel is to portray the rapid development and miraculous achievements of China in a way that is inspiring to both foreign and Chinese guests,” explains Cheung.
The three elevators of Hotel Soul are each themed after a different important and miraculous element of China’s history: one highlights the terracotta warriors of old; one the transformation that took place during the modern era, and another the miracle of Chinese manned spaceflight and the dream of landing on the moon in the future.
“The unique experience-driven boutique hotel is a place for our guests to be exposed & educated on art whilst enjoying their stay,” says Mr. Cheung.
Themes and Descriptions of the 19 pieces of artwork
Mirror on the Wall
The balance of yin and yang, tai chi symbolises the contrasting yet balanced nature of the East and the West. Furthermore it illustrates the cooperative energies and the harmonious unity within China.
And There was Light
Prometheus, Greek protector of mortals, stole fire from heaven and since that day the stranglehold of darkness has been broken. From candles to LED lights, the brighter the light, the further we can see and the more ambitious our dreams.
In the Beginning there was the Word
The traditional Chinese brush dips not into ink but the semi-precious cinnabar red mice. The formulation, sharing and dispersion of knowledge has come a long way. Intercommunication has never been this easy and social connections have developed accordingly.
A Place in the Sun
An ancient compass equipped with the latest GPS system symbolises just one part of modern day China. When looking at further advancements in the future, China has unrivalled confidence due to a long history of more than five thousand years.
Suzhou, Then and Now (Two pieces)
The superimposition of an ancient map and a 3D rendering of the modern day Suzhou reflects the two-sided nature of the city: a modern city poised to take off and a historic city that exudes poetic refinement.
The Winged Messenger
The modern day messenger does not wear winged sandals; he carries a mobile phone. With growing communication networks, our horizon are expanding, the world is fast becoming smaller and smaller.
Space Odyssey
China’s space exploration program is surging ahead. One of the world’s oldest civilisations is committed to the opening of a new frontier.
The Sky is Not the Limit
Long before Christopher Columbus, the voyages of Cheng Ho in the fifteenth century proved that the Chinese are an adventurous race. To keep up with their forebear’s wayfaring spirit, they are going to put another conquest under their belt - outer space.
Mortars and Bricks
China has long been the home of ancient architectural monuments but it is now also the home of modern architectural wonders. There has been an increase in modern landmark buildings across the country including the Beijing Olympics Aquatic Centre, the Cube and the National Stadium, the Birds Nest.
El Dorado
In 1,000BC China became the first country to use coins as a form of currency. With a population of 1.3 billion and where everything is described in astronomical terms, the potential for credit card growth simply staggers the imagination.
Beyond Abacus
The morphing from abacus to the keyboard illustrates the drastic change that is China’s opening up and financial reform. Economically, China has found its stride in such a short period of time.
Ever Forward
The traditional dragon boat and the modern speed boat cannot be compared in speed or technology. They simply represent our ageless desire to move forward, to go beyond, to seek out new frontiers and push boundaries.
Horse Power (Two pieces)
From horse carriage to a sedan car measured in horsepower, it not only illustrates the development in forms of transportation, but also the scientific progress that empowers us with the freedom of movement.
A Shadow of its Own Past
Traditionally shadow puppetry shows were shown in theatres, however today they are shown on TV screens. Yet instead of its demise, it is the presentation of this art form in this medium that gives it a new lease of life.
A Brief History of Time
Whether measuring it with a sundial or chronometer, time never stops for us. We need to keep moving, for progress will not stop for us either.
A Touch of Character
Whether written with a chisel or the keyboard, the Chinese character is the embodiment of human wisdom. The timeless Taihu rock witnesses the birth and progress of civilisation.
The Medium is the Message
Both the courier pigeon and the mobile phone show how communication is progressing and inevitably drawing people closer and closer.
About Hotel Soul
Hotel Soul is a member of Époque Hotels and is managed and operated by Hong Kong-based hospitality group, GR8 Leisure Concept Ltd, creator of the award-winning Hong Kong boutique hotel The Luxe Manor as well as serviced apartment Knight on Wyndham in Central, Hong Kong.
Established in 2004, GR8 specialises in investment in developing and managing unique and interesting hotel and apartment concepts. To generate a unique hospitality lifestyle for their guests, GR8 offers concepts that focus on innovative design and go well beyond the norm in terms of guest experience.
|
|
