In the vibrant and eclectic environment of 25hours Hotel One Central (Instagram), creativity finds a new home. The hotel’s Artist in Hotel Residence program, in collaboration with World Art Dubai, welcomes American artist Alex Lanier to its fold. Known for his diverse artistic background spanning architecture, digital art, and concept design, Lanier’s unique vision and approach to storytelling are set to leave an indelible mark on this dynamic space. As he transforms the hotel’s artist studio into a hub of creativity, we dive into his experiences, inspirations, and the journey that led him to this exciting opportunity.
The Artist in Hotel Residence program at 25hours Hotel One Central is a testament to the hotel’s commitment to fostering creativity in the region. Launched in partnership with World Art Dubai (WAD), this initiative brings artists from around the world to create a lasting impact on the hotel’s cultural environment. For its first residency, the hotel chose Alex Lanier, an artist whose pieces, created thanks to a unique blend of experience in architecture, digital art, and storytelling, promise to resonate deeply with guests and visitors.
Lanier was selected after his impactful exhibition at the 2024 edition of World Art Dubai. Describing the residency, Lanier shared, “I was awarded the opportunity to be the first Artist in Residence at 25hours Hotel after attending the World Art Dubai art show. The experience has been incredibly inspiring, filled with lifelong connections, and provided me with the perfect environment to explore and express my creative vision.”
Set against the backdrop of Dubai’s ever-evolving skyline, 25hours Hotel One Central is a space where creativity knows no bounds. Lanier’s residency takes place in a specially designated artist studio at the hotel, about which he says, “is a blank canvas with large windows and great natural lighting, featuring an open floor plan and high ceilings. It’s a versatile space that easily adapts to different artistic styles and projects.”
During his residency, Lanier has been working on his latest piece, “Where to Next?” The artwork is visually striking, but it’s also a narrative that captures the essence of life’s journey, inspired by his own life. “My family and I live a nomadic lifestyle, so I drew a lot of inspiration from personal experiences,” Lanier explained. “This lifestyle has shaped my perspective and heavily influences my art.”
“Where to Next?” is a reflection of the broader theme of nomadism, mirroring not just Lanier’s personal experiences, but also the spirit of 25hours Hotel One Central, where exploration and cultural diversity are celebrated. Lanier’s choice of pastel colors and a cartoon style adds a playful yet profound dimension to the piece. “I use soft pastel colors to create a dreamy and relaxing feel in all my pieces. The cartoon style adds a playful element, making the artwork more relatable and inviting,” Lanier says.
Creating a piece that would become a permanent fixture in the hotel lobby presented a series of challenges. Hardest of all was “figuring out the size of the piece and finding canvases large enough to fit my vision. I overcame this by carefully planning the layout and sourcing materials that matched the scale I needed,” he says.
Speaking of the impact he hopes to achieve, Lanier said, “I think visitors to the hotel will each take something personal from the ‘Where To Next?’ piece as everyone’s journey is different. It’s meant to spark reflection and connect with people’s own life experiences.” This aligns perfectly with the hotel’s philosophy: “We are all nomads here,” a place where every journey is valued, and every story has a place to be told.
Artist-in-Residence programs like this at 25hours Hotel One Central play a crucial role in supporting and nurturing artistic talent. Lanier emphasized, “These programs play a big role in building confidence and independence for artists looking to grow their careers. They also provide a unique platform for artists to showcase their work to a diverse audience in a new environment.”
Lanier is already looking ahead to new projects, including “Where To Next? The Animation,” which will expand on the story of his current piece and bring its themes to life in a new format.
For Lanier, this experience has been transformative, marking another milestone in his artistic journey. As 25hours Hotel continues to embrace creativity and culture, guests can look forward to more inspiring works and stories that connect with the essence of their own journeys.
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