Are you thinking about visiting Osaka, Japan, shortly? In that case, you’re in for a treat if you choose to stay at Zentis Osaka, the Japanese design-led hotel that’s a cultural hub for art, music and craftsmanship. The hotel is teaming up with the Paris-based Japanese artist itu’, to host the “Zentis Artist-in-Residence: itu’ Crossover” exhibition.
This showcase features a dozen paintings created just for the hotel by Itu’. Plus, in a specially transformed exclusive room (Corner Studio), you’ll find everyday items like furniture, curtains, bedding, and slippers featuring itu’s artwork patterns, blending art into the homey atmosphere.
Dubbing it ‘crossover’, itu’ drew inspiration for the exhibition from his own experiences at the upscale lifestyle hotel. “Zentis is a place where diverse people gather – regardless of nationality, generation or culture – and where each person’s values transcend borders and naturally intermingle,” observed the artist.
“Similarly, with this installation, I’m endeavouring to eliminate the boundary between art and people by blurring the lines between the traditional perception of art – which is merely for viewing and appreciating from a distance – and everyday items,” said itu’. “While the work being viewed and the viewer are separate entities, naturally, the relationship between them changes depending on how they interact and the factors surrounding an interaction.”
Those who book a stay in ‘itu’s Art Studio’ will not only have the opportunity to enjoy the immersive art experience throughout the hotel and in their one-of-a-kind accommodation, but will also be able to take their in-room slippers – specially painted by the artist, with no two pairs alike – home as keepsakes cerating a personal connection with this talented artist.
‘Zentis Art-in-Residence: itu’s Crossover’ is on now through September 30, 2024. Bookable through October 31, 2024 (subject to availability), a stay in ‘itu’s Art Studio’ starts from JPY45,000 per night, inclusive of taxes and service charge.For more information or to book a stay, please visit www.zentishotels.com
