Sofitel Queenstown Supports The Arts

A passion for the arts and an appreciation of the finer things in life has inspired the five-star Sofitel Queenstown to establish a display of contemporary artworks within the Sofitel building.

The work of five major established artists is now on show, ranging from Heather McLeod’s bronze nude torsos (appropriately enough on display in the hotel’s Nue Lounge and Cocktail Bar) to Manu Berry’s large scale Cattle Triptych dominating a wall alongside the entrance to Bezu restaurant.

The works, which also include an acrylic Robert West painting, an organic ceramic coil ‘form’ by Gay Webb, and an oil on canvas diptych by Elizabeth Morrison Du lieu, are all in public areas with people encouraged to view them. Elizabeth’s piece is titled “The long journey” and uses symbols to tell a story about the journey of the seven canoes that set out from the Pacific to settle in Aotearoa.

The works have been sourced by Queenstown art consultancy Artbay, owned by Pauline Giles. She has 12 years’ experience in the art industry in New Zealand and Australia, and represents a number of artists from around New Zealand.

Each artist will feature at the Sofitel for a minimum of six months, and as every piece is for sale, sold artworks will be replaced with another by the same artist.

“If people make the impulse art buy, we can have it on their walls anywhere in the world within two weeks,” said Pauline.

“One facet of the art industry I really love is when a client shares with us what touches or inspires them about a particular piece of art.

“When a piece of art has this effect, and a person decides to have it on their wall, at home or at work, it’s the beginning of a fulfilling relationship.”

Artists are chosen because they are full time professionals, and are extremely passionate and talented about what they do, said Pauline.

“They’re really excited about being on show in this five-star property and are thrilled to be involved with a hotel that really appreciates and supports the arts,” she said.

Sofitel Queenstown General Manager Mark Wilkinson said staff and management were already receiving comments about how gorgeous the artwork was looking within a week of pieces being placed in the property.

“Sofitel is a premium five-star brand with a clientele that recognises and supports emerging and established artists, so we are delighted to help bring the fantastic work of some of New Zealand’s best to the attention of our guests, and Queenstown visitors and locals,” he said.

Ends

© Scoop Media