DESIGN FEATURE AT OLYMPIA LONDON FOR INDEPENDENT HOTEL SHOW 2024
The 'Hidden London' series was conceived for the Independent Hotel Show 'Beyond the Bustle' exhibition, prompting an exploration of wellness through a location-driven narrative embedded in plain sight. Having lived in London for a decade, I've been continually fascinated by the city's unique symbiosis of sprawling modernity and resilient nature. These digital collages, printed on textile, seek to reveal the often-overlooked wildlife—foxes, squirrels, parakeets and other birds—camouflaged amidst lush, urban foliage. Wisteria vines embrace familiar structures, creating canopies of unexpected serenity. Through these works, I invite the viewer to pause and discover these tranquil natural pockets, offering a moment of respite and connection within the vibrant metropolis.
The 'Hidden London' installation at the National foyer of Olympia London, a Grade II listed venue, aimed to transform the space into a series of distinct 'oases,' each designed to serve a unique purpose and evoke specific responses from visitors.
Upon entering, the Check-in and Registration area immediately immersed visitors in the "Hidden London" theme. Two large-scale prints served as compelling backdrops. Complementing these was an optical illusion structure, designed to create a subtle, flickering effect as attendees passed, offering a playful visual puzzle that hinted at the layered discoveries to come. This initial encounter was designed to captivate and gently disrupt perception, drawing visitors into the installation's core narrative.
Further exploration revealed Sit-Stand Points, designed with concealed pockets featuring abstract pattern prints derived from the "Hidden London" palette. These prints held a surprising duality, with the potential for a flickering effect if viewed from the reverse, adding another layer of subtle visual engagement.
Finally, Individual Lounges, secluded with the foliage prints from the "Hidden London" series and complementary decor, offered restful retreats. These intimate spaces allowed for quieter contemplation, fully immersing guests in the aesthetic and thematic essence of the project, demonstrating how art could transform functional areas into moments of artistic engagement and wellbeing.
A Lounges 1&2 feature was the inviting Wisteria Gazebo. Enveloped in a bespoke wisteria vine print on semi-transparent fabric, this structure created a soft, ethereal sanctuary – a 'cosy canopy' where light filtered through, evoking the feeling of being sheltered within a blooming urban haven.
