Simply Abu Dhabi XXXV

2 7 6 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I The Peninsula Hotels’ “Art in Resonance” comes to The Peninsula Paris with new art commissions Elise Morin and Saya Woolfalk join Iván Navarro’s ‘HOME’ at The Peninsula Paris as part of the global contemporary art programme, launched earlier this year Redefining hotel art The Peninsula Hotels’ celebrated, commission-based contemporary art programme ‘Art in Resonance’ launched in Hong Kong in 2019 with an opening party attended by art world notables. The luxury brand served as the Official Hotel Partner of Art Basel Hong Kong, and unveiled its multi-year, global art initiative with a stunning array of new immersive commissions at its flagship. Artists on view in Hong Kong included Iván Navarro (b. 1967 Chile), Janet Echelman (b. 1966 United States), MINAX (founded 2005, China) and Timothy Paul Myers (b. 1972 Australia). Highly anticipated art programme The next chapter of the programme will be on display at The Peninsula Paris – which is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year – from 26 September until 15 November. Iván Navarro’s neon sculpture ‘HOME’ will once again feature, alongside newly commissioned pieces from Japan-born, New York-based artist Saya Woolfalk and local French artist, Elise Morin. “The success of, and reaction to, the Hong Kong launch proved hotel art has entered a new era,” said Carson Glover, Vice President of Brand Marketing and Communications, The Peninsula Hotels. “It was heart- warming to watch our artists’ pieces stir the emotions of those who encountered them, and we’re confident our upcoming installations will thrill at the same level.” One way The Peninsula Hotels is ensuring future ‘Art in Resonance’ works hit the same notes is by continuing their collaboration with curators Isolde Brielmaier and Bettina Prentice. “Bettina and I are thrilled to continue our partnership with The Peninsula Hotels, an active and authentic supporter of the creative community,” said Isolde Brielmaier, co- curator of Art in Resonance. “For the Paris iteration, we’ve worked together to identify emerging and mid- career artists whose work addresses important issues of our time. By commissioning new work directly from artists, we’re enabling them to create impactful and experiential art works that might not otherwise be possible. The Peninsula Hotels is giving them the financial and logistical support to create their dream projects rather than merely serving as a venue.” Sustainable style With the launch of Art in Resonance taking place during Paris Fashion Week, The Peninsula Hotels will also sponsor the first-ever Paris fashion presentation from emerging designer Brother Vellies, taking place at The Peninsula Paris. Founded by Aurora James, the Vogue CFDA award-winning fashion brand works exclusively with workshops in Africa to create and sustain artisanal jobs in areas where employment opportunities are scarce. “Using fashion as a vehicle to create and maintain long-term artisanal jobs around the world is the most profoundly impactful thing the industry can offer to the planet and our shared humanity right now,” said James. “I am so grateful to The Peninsula Hotels for acknowledging the importance of the work we are aiming to do at Brother Vellies.” This desire to be an active and authentic supporter of the creative community is reflected in the Paris iteration of ‘Art in Resonance’, with the luxury brand choosing to partner with artists whose work addresses important global issues. “All three of the works to be displayed in Paris are designed to generate meaningful conversations,” said Bettina Prentice, co-curator of Art in Resonance. “Woolfalk investigates an expanded definition of cultural diversity. She draws you in with Commissioned art works from Elise Morin, SayaWoolfalk and Iván Navarro will feature at The Peninsula Paris for ‘Art in Resonance’. Elise Morin Saya Woolfalk Iván Navarro Bettina Prentice and Isolde Brielmaier Art in Resonance curators