Something human for hospitality spaces
Art consultant Lily Ackerman is bridging her passion for art and understanding of people to create inspiring and intriguing environments.
Art is given many meanings and explanations. The expression of human creativity, the definition of beauty, the emotion connection. It’s positioned on walls, is heard through speakers, is read in books and is watched on stages. It’s not the medium or whether it hangs or indeed whether you eat it, but it showcases someone overcoming a resistance. The artist has opened their soul and produced something human. That’s powerful.It’s often created not for the purpose of making money or for the market, but for the individual who practices their craft and knows that people will talk about it. And herein lies the reason why the hospitality industry and art should go hand in hand. Talking about something naturally spreads and this has impact. The right artwork in the right environment can inspire people. Whether through engaging in conversation, feeling an emotional connection or even relaxing an individual after a stressful day. This is where Lily Ackerman’s understanding of art and people is at its strongest.
Lily is no stranger to the hospitality industry, the daughter of late restaurateur Roy Ackerman, she grew up in his restaurants and developed a love and understanding for the spaces that brought people together. Today she works with a number of venues with various remits to curate spaces and exhibitions. The London-based art consultant doesn’t just work with established artists but is also a strong advocate of emerging artists. Always on the lookout for developing talent, Lily is just about to launch an exhibition at Mayfair hotel, 45 Park Lane. In collaboration with After Nyne Gallery the exhibition titled ‘Eight From Nyne: Ones to Watch’ includes a collection of rising creatives across the arts spectrum and runs from 10 May to 2 July 2018.
Lily is no stranger to the hospitality industry, the daughter of late restaurateur Roy Ackerman, she grew up in his restaurants and developed a love and understanding for the spaces that brought people together. Today she works with a number of venues with various remits to curate spaces and exhibitions. The London-based art consultant doesn’t just work with established artists but is also a strong advocate of emerging artists. Always on the lookout for developing talent, Lily is just about to launch an exhibition at Mayfair hotel, 45 Park Lane. In collaboration with After Nyne Gallery the exhibition titled ‘Eight From Nyne: Ones to Watch’ includes a collection of rising creatives across the arts spectrum and runs from 10 May to 2 July 2018.
Hospitality environments and the use of space is of great importance as the world continues to change at breakneck speed.
45 Park Lane The Dorchester Collection’s contemporary hotel works closely with Lily and General Manager John Scanlon believes hotels should provide guests with inspiring and intriguing environments. This is where Lily excels and uses her innate understanding of people and places.
In the emerging artists series at the hotel, Lily’s business, Ackerman Studios, is bringing together artists including Richard Hoey who returns from Brazil to exhibit in London for the first time in three years and Zandra Stratford – the only resident Canadian to be selected for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition last year. The exhibition is in association with After Nyne Gallery and offers varying styles which are eclectic yet harmonious. Collectors are also able to purchase some of the works.
In the emerging artists series at the hotel, Lily’s business, Ackerman Studios, is bringing together artists including Richard Hoey who returns from Brazil to exhibit in London for the first time in three years and Zandra Stratford – the only resident Canadian to be selected for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition last year. The exhibition is in association with After Nyne Gallery and offers varying styles which are eclectic yet harmonious. Collectors are also able to purchase some of the works.
Richard Hoey (right) is one of the artists on show and guests and visitors will be able to enjoy how he employs tactile materials such as gesso, jute and metal leaf to produce multi layered works with highly detailed surfaces. For the artist, the materiality of his work acts as a conductor between the inner and outer worlds of human experience. His current influence is derived from his time spent in Brazil where the artist feels immersed in a culture steeped in a history of colonisation, slavery and tribal folklore. Below are some of Richard's latest works: Foiled Attempts, Part One and Foiled Attempts, Part Two.
Zandra Stratford (piece left) will be making a short term move to the UK from her current home on Salt Spring Island off the coast of Vancouver. An abstract painter known for bold, semiotic works, her pieces lay a foundation of elemental earth tones; clay and cement greys and soil blacks, laying strata after strata of contrasting and ambitious colour as a counterpoint to industrial textures, and this overlaid with confident horizontal structures.Hospitality environments and the use of space is of great importance as the world continues to change at breakneck speed. People are very busy and process and systems, which were supposed to support, are causing unforeseen problems. Many are suffering from poor mental health and they need places to go, to relax, to enjoy, to unwind. The use of space for dwell time and for rewarding people has perhaps never been greater and that is where Lily and art can score big points. Often overlooked, the power of art when intertwined with quality food and great service makes for a inspiring experience.