Our inaugural art programme ‘Encounter Across Cultures: Seeds of Life’ explores the interconnectedness of local and global cultures through art. Each House’s sense of place and individuality is brought to life through immersive art experiences by Swiss video artist Katja Loher.
Inspired by the Chinese Five Elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water – as well as collaborations with local creators, each of the four experiential installations uses dance, music and costume to celebrate the elements as a universal connecting force.
In Chengdu where the art of ink painting and tea are deeply present in modern life, locally based artists Hao Wu and Yong Ma worked with Katja to bring a different sensibility to the installation. Katja’s video art features the two Masters at work: while Hao Wu paints symbols and creatures representing each of the Chinese Elements, Yong Ma leads a tea ceremony that brings all Five Elements together.
Discover MoreIn Shanghai, Katja draws from the city’s fashion-forward energy in a collaboration with new street fashion brand Dirty Pineapple. Experience the Five Elements in a journey through the different spaces of The Middle House, and discover the limited-edition streetwear collection created through this partnership.
Discover MoreIn collaboration with Feng Shui designer Thierry Chow, Katja creates a journey through the Five Elements through the architecture of The Upper House, from entrance upward to its very top floor. Not only does Thierry feature in the artwork itself, she also advised on the situation of each Element in the space in accordance with Feng Shui principles.
Discover MoreIn collaboration with Gallery Weekend Beijing, Katja draws from her encounters with Beijing’s artists to create five ‘Element Videoplanets’ that float in the atrium of The Opposite House. The planetary sculptures challenge the face of video art, freeing video from its rigid rectangular box and transforming it into a free flowing organic shape.
Discover MoreSwiss-born Katja Loher is changing the face of video art by freeing it from the flat rectangular screen, and presenting it as organically shaped Videosculptures.
In this unique way of fusing the technological with the organic, she creates fantastic worlds that explore the consequences of living in a globalised world. The videos are inspired by collaborations with local poets, composers, costume designers and performers.
Swiss-born Katja Loher is changing the face of video art by freeing it from the flat rectangular screen, and presenting it as organically shaped Videosculptures.
In this unique way of fusing the technological with the organic, she creates fantastic worlds that explore the consequences of living in a globalised world. The videos are inspired by collaborations with local poets, composers, costume designers and performers.
Recently, we’ve been looking forward to things both big and small… To our new chapter in Japan. To a greener future. To a fun few nights in Singapore with cocktails.
At the peak of cherry blossom season, we hosted an exclusive evening in Tokyo to celebrate our future House in Japan where we premiered our new art film. In our kitchens, we’ve been building a more sustainable future for the next generation. But alongside all of this hard work, we’re not forgetting to play hard either. Across our Houses, we’re celebrating our nominations in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards and in just a few short days, we’ll be popping up in Singapore with zero-waste cocktails.
At our Houses, there’s a lot to celebrate this spring. Art Basel returns to Hong Kong in full swing, congratulations are in order to the Chengdu team for Jing Bar being awarded The Best Hotel Bar from DRiNK Awards 2022, and to end the month on a green note, we are also honouring Earth Hour with special events this weekend.
Read MoreCheers to the new year! We’ve started 2023 with excitement and gratitude. Borders are open. Travel has returned. Our Houses are buzzing with energy. From exclusive tea experiences to rejuvenating stays, there’s so much to discover. We can’t wait to welcome you back.