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American Modern Art Creates One of Southeast Asia's Finest Collections For additional information about this article contact: Anton Kilayko |
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Frank Stella, Dale Chihuly, David Hockney and Andy Warhol are just some of the artists whose work comprises the 4,200 piece collection at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, considered by many to be among the finest corporate modern art collections in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Valued at approximately S$5 million, 90 percent of the works were specially commissioned for the hotel including about 350 major, "museum quality" pieces. The works are predominantly "pop art" or colour field pieces, an American art style that dates to the 1960s. California-based art consultant and curator Ms. Elizabeth Weiner, who assisted in assembling this collection, describes the artworks as "vibrant expressionism." The displays in the public areas, meeting facilities, guestrooms and guest corridors, enhance the distinctive contemporary architectural design of the hotel. Guests' introduction to the collection comes in viewing "Cornucopia," Frank Stella's three tonne (2,800 kg.) roof sculpture, suspended in the lofty entrance area. It is made of fibre glass material similar to that used in surfboards. This creation was designed in New York, then manufactured by traditional boatmakers in Cannes, France, before being shipped to Singapore. Dale Chihuly, one of the world's foremost glass artists, created the wall sculpture that is the focal point of The Lobby Lounge. Entitled "Sunrise," it comprises almost 300 yellow hand-blown glass spirals. Its full magnitude is best appreciated in the evenings when strategically positioned lighting gives the piece full depth and contrast. The piece is mirrored by "Sunset" in shades of green on the opposite Greenhouse restaurant wall. Chihuly's whimsical, multi-coloured stalks and bulbs mingle with real foliage in enclosed gardens next to Greenhouse restaurant and behind the registration desk. The hotel's individual pieces are cleverly placed to complement surroundings. "Balinese Dancer," by award-winning Indonesian artist Nyoman Gunasar, is situated in The Lobby Lounge with its daily entertainment. Two Frank Stella three-dimensional sculptures, part of his "Moby Dick" series, provide a fitting aquatic theme for the pool walkway. Within Snappers restaurant, "Red Whale" by Yasmine, depicts marine life in a lively burst of colour, complementing the Mediterranean theme of the restaurant. The hotel also has limited edition art pieces by David Hockney, Henry Moore, Andy Warhol and Sam Francis. The rest of the works are from well-established contemporary American artists such as Larry Zox, Elsworth Kelly, Rainer Gross and Malcolm Morley. |
