Kiwi artwork debuts in Sofitel Queenstown

Kiwi artwork debuts in Sofitel Queenstown

New Zealand contemporary and historical works of art are dominant features in Queenstown’s new luxury five-star hotel, Sofitel Queenstown.

To mark the opening of Sofitel Queenstown’s gallery, a one-off specially commissioned cast glass piece by renowned artist Trudie Kroef is now on display. The work, titled Internal Spaces, took Trudie six weeks to craft and is for sale at $5,650.

All Sofitel hotels have original artwork on display, but Sofitel Queenstown has taken this one stage further; this month launching a collection from local art expert Gary Mahan.

Gary commissioned Trudie’s work and has carefully selected items for the newly built gallery within Sofitel which showcases contemporary New Zealand art of international quality.

“My vision was to make the very most of the space in Sofitel, displaying a variety of pieces rich in style and substance, while being fresh and vibrant.

“In our opening collection we feature prominent New Zealand artists alongside those less commonly exposed in this region; treating guests and visitors to a varied visual feast,” he said.

Proudly showcasing a much sought-after international export - New Zealand glass sculptures – works in hot and cast glass by Sam Ireland, David Murray, Stephen Bradbourne and Phil Newbury are also on display.

Artworks on show and for sale include paintings and sculptures in bronze, glass, aluminium and iconic New Zealand corrugated iron.

A huge Michael Hight bee hive diptych features in the entrance lobby, dominating an entire wall and evoking recollections of New Zealand landscapes once visited.

Paintings from Dick Frizzell, including three works from his Phantom series, also attract guests’ attention as they arrive.

Bronze sculptures from contemporary sculptor Paul Dibble are displayed in the lobby, in addition to Jeff Thomson’s quirky corrugated iron sculptures. The gallery exhibits paintings from renowned artists including Colin McCahon, Ralph Hotere and Tony Fomison.

Sofitel Queenstown General Manager Mark Wilkinson said art and style are two cornerstones of the Sofitel ethos, which is why specific spaces to display artwork were built into the hotel design.

“By partnering with someone like Gary we give guests and visitors an experience which extends beyond luxury and relaxation, into the realms of appreciating arts and challenging the senses.”

Artwork in the gallery and lobby will change regularly and new exhibitions will be introduced from season to season.

Images of Trudie Kroef and her work are available.

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