While art collections are rarely a defining factor for travelers searching for accommodation on their trips, it certainly contributes to any hotel’s style, making it unique and memorable. Some properties opt for decoration pieces to match room design while others commission artists and designers to craft bespoke art. Some even hunt for rare art objects at art markets and auctions to make them centerpieces of hotel lobbies, restaurants, and rooms. Read on to see how Mandarin Oriental, Macau, highlights its style and identity with art and design masterpieces.
“Beijing Memory” by Li Xiaofeng
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Have you ever gotten upset over a broken cup or a piece of family china? We know someone who certainly doesn’t shed a tear after shattering tableware. Instead, he takes those pieces and creates contemporary artwork. The man behind this concept is Li Xiaofeng, a Chinese artist from Beijing who takes broken ceramics, sometimes dating back to Ming and Qing dynasties, and sews them together with a metal wire, making stunning wearable suits and dresses. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, USA, and designers like Lacoste and Alexander McQueen took an interest in this porcelain fashion.
Luckily for art lovers in Macau, one of Li Xiaofeng’s porcelain dresses was acquired by Mandarin Oriental, Macau. Guests and visitors can see “Beijing Memory” admission-free at the elevator lobby on the first floor.
Also read: Art Masterpieces in Macau You Did Not Know Existed
“Bloom” by Red Hong Yi
The centerpiece of Lobby Lounge is the eye-catching flower panel “Bloom” by Red Hong Yi. It took her over 10,000 flowers piped with acrylic paint and more than a month to design it.
The Malaysian-born artist started her professional life as an architectural designer in an Australian firm based in Shanghai. She then pursued her path in art, using everyday objects to create installations and paintings. Red received almost instant recognition after sharing the videos of the art creation process on social media. The videos went viral, so eventually, the artist gave up architecture and dedicated herself to art. Since then, she has worked on a series of public figures portraits like Ai Weiwei and Jackie Chan. In 2013, Esquire Malaysia recognized Red as one of the top 12 “Brilliant Malaysians.” In 2020, Tatler Hong Kong dubbed her one of Asia’s most influential voices after her anti-racism against Asians art series.
Also read: Your Ultimate Macau Art Guide
“Golden Rain” by Denisa Lukáčová, LASVIT
A Czech design studio, LASVIT continues the Bohemian glassmaking tradition by creating awe-inspiring lighting installations. Combining the traditional craft with innovative techniques and designs, LASVIT has made pieces for more than 2,200 places worldwide, such as K11 Musea in Hong Kong, Al Azizia Mosque in Mecca, and Dubai Opera. Among them are some Macau hotels and restaurants, including Mandarin Oriental, Macau that is fortunate to host two LASVIT installations.
The first one is “Golden Rain,” a large art piece designed by Denisa Lukáčová located at the lobby stairs. Descending like rain from the walls, it is composed of hand-blown amber and glass tubes. There are exactly 888 of them, as eight is a lucky number in the Chinese tradition that brings prosperity and good fortune.
“The Seaway” by LASVIT
Another gorgeous installation by LASVIT is “The Seaway” at the entrance of Lobby Lounge. Inspired by sea waves and the mesmerizing motion of the ocean, it is made of 118 hand-blown pieces of fluted crystal glass and glass pieces with organic bubbles. It separates the restaurant from the hotel lobby like a majestic glass curtain or a wave in motion that has been frozen.
M.O. Fan
The fan is a Mandarin Oriental symbol representing luxury, elegance, and Eastern traditions. The eleven-bladed fan is the chain’s trademark logo. Furthermore, every hotel of the group usually designs its own exclusive fan that reflects its identity and the defining features of the location where it resides. The 11 blades stand for the 11 objectives of the hotel that aim to ensure a lasting memory for every guest that decides to stay at Mandarin Oriental Hotels.
Mandarin Oriental, Macau’s fan was made in 1800 with tortoiseshell sticks and the gilded paper leaf painted with flowers and birds. It represents the hotel’s essence as a tranquil retreat in a vibrant destination and showcases its peaceful environment and stunning surroundings.
Also read: Asian Hospitality at Its Best: History of Mandarin Oriental
Also read: Wake Up Here: Mandarin Oriental, Macau
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Mandarin Oriental, Macau 945 Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, NAPE, Macau, +853 8805 8888, www.mandarinoriental.com/macau
