Art Collection: International Reach, Local Focus
At ArtLink, our curatorial process always starts with research – we consider all the elements, from the brand's values and history, to specific social, cultural and visual elements characterizing the location of the hotel. We value the specific local features each hospitality venue brings to the world, and seek to represent it through the art collection, curated and tailored to tell the unique story of each brand and location.
In the interconnected global village we live in, the idea of “think globally, act locally” inspires us to work closely with local creative communities. As an industry first, ArtLink weaves local stories and traditions into art collections, which fuse local sense with a global perspective. This glocal approach makes our art collections diverse and unique, and overall specifically tailored to every single project.
Over the course of 24 years, ArtLink has worked on projects all over the world, with a wide array of different local specifications. Based on our long-lasting experience and global artist network, we developed a global fresh perspective on art. This allows us to curate art collections with a local flare and global reach, at the highest standards of luxury hospitality.
One of the best examples to this approach is our recently completed project for St. Regis Amman. Located in the heart of Jordan's capital city, the St. Regis Amman offers its guests a locally inspired take on established traditions. Over the years, the St. Regis name became synonymous with a tradition of innovation and commitment to impeccable service. The brand unwavering commitment to hospitality is reflected in the thoughtful art collection, curated especially for the hotel.
"An exquisite art collection adorns the corridors and public spaces, a thoughtfully curated ensemble of the creative expression of highly talented artists from Jordan and the Levant region." (Marriott International)
Locally informed and echoing tradition in contemporary voices, the art collection for the St. Regis Amman, composed predominantly of works by artists from Jordan and the Levant, is curated with an eye to embody luxurious hospitality - a key traditional trait of Jordanian culture and a pillar of the brand's values. With a desire to highlight Jordanian ancient traditions and crafts, ArtLink reached out to the local creative community. A profound research lead to a close collaboration with local artists and artisans based in the city of Amman and its surrounding region. This shared creative process resulted in an art collection which alludes to tradition in a sophisticated contemporary way.
It was a pleasure to discover the home-grown talents of Amman and Jordan. We were inspired by local artists and artisans who revisit ancient traditions and crafts, transforming them to beautiful pieces of contemporary art. Several works in the collection pays tribute to traditional Jordanian crafts like embroidery, mosaic and carpentry, with a fresh perspective that merges old with new, tradition with innovation.
When curating an art collection for a new project, we also take in account the brand's history and traditions. Placing a mural centerpiece in every St. Regis Bar in the world became one of the brand's signature design elements, and a beloved long-lasting tradition. The Cognac Bar centerpiece at the St. Regis Amman pays homage to the brand's tradition, as well as to the historical story of Jordan. The mosaic mural, titled Drinkers of the Wind, is devoted to the story of Jordan's Arabian horses. It is a visual testament to the majestic past of Jordan, with each horse embodying different symbols in Jordanian history and its legendary Arabian horses. The choice of mosaic also carries a local relevance, as the craft of mosaic-making has a noble and distinguished lineage in Jordan, which is famed for its historical mosaics found in many notable landmarks across the country.
Collaborating with the local creative community was our way to share some of the authentic and distinctive stories which characterize St. Regis Amman's unique location. This collection embodies our desire to share local stories which speak to the global traveler.