The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre Strengthens Art Credentials With New Collection and Extended Partnership With Opera Gallery

Marketwired

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES--(Marketwire - Nov 2, 2012) - As the art scene in the UAE continues to explode, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre is further strengthening its art credentials, now boasting an impressive collection of over 130 pieces, from a range of international artists. Many of the artworks are supplied by Opera Gallery, as part of a unique partnership that sees the DIFC gallery loan pieces to the luxury hotel on a quarterly basis. The collection for October-December 2012 is now on display throughout the hotel for guests to enjoy.

Lothar Quarz, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre comments: "Being located in DIFC, which has established itself as the artistic hub of the Middle East, art is very much an essential part of The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre's DNA. Our collection was chosen to appeal to hotel guests from a diverse range of nationalities and cultures, whilst also supporting artists from the region, and the diversity of the pieces we have very much represents this."

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre is currently showcasing 18 sculptures supplied by Opera Gallery throughout the downtown luxury hotel, including the lobby, two of its signature restaurants, The Lobby Lounge, and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, DIFC. Many of the pieces are from French artists, in-keeping with the French-inspired art-deco design of the luxury hotel. The sculptures and their locations have been carefully selected to complement the style of the hotel's contemporary design, and to bring to life the characteristics of each individual location. A good example of the strategic placement is Pierre Matter's 'Cyberbull,' the impressive bronze sculpture of a bull that sits in steakhouse Center Cut, complementing the masculine hues of the décor and the nature of the cuisine.

General Manager Lothar Quarz believes offering such an art collection is a compelling way to engage guests of the five star hotel. "Along with The Ritz-Carlton legendary service, many of our guests stay with us because of our proximity to DIFC's numerous galleries, and offering an impressive art collection ourselves provides an additional opportunity to create memorable experiences for our guests."

In addition to the partnership with Opera Gallery, the hotel commissioned Art consultancy Soho Myriad to source over 100 pieces of art, including paintings and sculptures from international artists from all over the world, including the Middle East, Europe and the USA. The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre is also continuing its relationship with DIFC's Art Nights and earlier this month provided the food and beverage for the event, as well as hosting the official after party, 'Art after Dark' in No.5 Lounge & Bar.

KEY ARTWORKS FROM THE RITZ-CARLTON, DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE COLLECTION

From Opera Gallery

The Lobby

  • Histoire d'un Mythe by Pierre Matter

  • Evolving Falcon by Pierre Matter

The Lobby Lounge (Podium Level)

  • Miroir o mon miroir by Pierre Matter

  • Sandre by Mauro Corda

  • Grande contorsionniste by Mauro Corda

Center Cut Steakhouse

  • Cyberbull by Pierre Matter

No.5 Lounge & Bar

  • Bonbon wrap silver by Laurence Jenkell

Blue Rain Thai Restaurant

  • Poisson Courbe by Nicola Rosini

  • Pecheur by Nicola Rosini

Spa

  • La Baiser by Marie-Madelaine Gautier

  • Le Calin by Marie-Madelaine Gautier

About The Artists & Artworks

Pierre Matter: Pierre Matter is a mechanical engineer turned artist. Through his perception, the French artist recycles and applies daily objects to his sculptures, which are mostly made from scrap metal, car parts, wood and aluminium. Many illustrate figurative forms of animals, including the three pieces on display at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre, which highlight the contrast of the artificial and the natural.

Mauro Corda: A French artist influenced and inspired by the opti-cinetic movement of the 1950s, Mauro Corda portrays different representations of fish through an optical illusion. 'Sandre' is entirely made from aluminium and portrays a floating fish in a metallic cage.

Laurence Jenkell: A French artist whose works are inspired by chocolate and sweets, which she describes as a woman's 'best friend.' 'Bon Bon' is made from plexiglass, combining the shine & transparency of glass with the rigid and toughness plastic.

Nicola Rosini Di Santi: A French-Italian artist influenced by the works of Alberto Giacometti. The majority of his sculptures feature fish or fisherman and are characterized by their robust and uneven lines.

Marie-Madelaine Gautier: A French artist who works mainly on feminine figures, featuring smooth outer lines to highlight the figures' feminine silhouettes. Most sculptures are made from bronze or resin.

Examples of Additional Popular Artworks

Samaya Ballroom/pre-function area

  • A range of textile artworks (unnamed) by Middle-Eastern artist Mehri Farokhi

  • A range of canvas paintings (unnamed) by American artist Michael Carnahyan

Lobby

  • 'High Horse' by Middle Eastern artist Yassi Govrin

  • Three mixed oil and enamel paintings on aluminum by T.Rose (nationality unknown)

Can Can Brasserie

  • 'Glass Rods' by American artist Michael George Hughes

Meeting Room

  • 'Light Again' by American Artist Shawn Dulaney

The Lobby Lounge

  • Chandelier by T.Rector (nationality unknown)

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 80 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, an award that originated in 1987. Its purpose is to promote the awareness of quality excellence, recognize quality achievements of companies and publicize successful quality strategies. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company won the award in 1992 and 1999. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR).