Project Spotlight
Daxton Hotel
While some hotel properties think of artwork as just one of many must-have visual elements, there are others that consider it an integral part of the guest experience. That is certainly the case for the Daxton, a new luxury hotel that recently opened in Birmingham, Michigan, just outside of Detroit. Describing itself as “at the intersection between luxury and community,” the Daxton endeavors to provide its guests with more than just a place to rest their heads, but with “full sensory experiences that surprise and inspire.”
To help accomplish this, they enlisted Rebecca Wilson, Saatchi Art’s Chief Curator and VP of Art Advisory, to curate a one-of-kind international art collection for display in both public and private spaces throughout the entire property. A veritable art takeover, the Daxton’s vast art display aims to give guests the opportunity to discover outstanding emerging artists and experience unique works at every point in their stay. Rebecca was tasked with focusing on both contemporary Pop and street art, two of the unifying themes throughout the property.
The final collection curated by Rebecca includes 400 original works for the guest rooms by artists from 80 countries, as well as more than 30 specifically commissioned works for the public spaces—including a custom nine-foot-tall “Daxton Bunny,” which Rebecca oversaw from concept to fabrication. Of particular note are four custom paintings by Bollee Patino, a contemporary mixed-media artist who fuses graffiti and street art with traditional acrylic and spray-paint styles. Bollee’s high-energy works rendered in a bold color palette add a unique vibrancy to the hotel’s shared spaces. Similarly, specially commissioned photographs by Federico Bebber depicting a woman’s face transforming into natural elements like a starry sky and lush forest create a dreamy atmosphere for guests as they wander through the hotel.
When sourcing artwork for the hotel’s restaurant, Rebecca wanted to reinforce the eatery’s theme. Named Madam, the dining space is a celebration of both motherhood and women’s empowerment. Artist Karin Vermeer’s portraits of women–rich in color, complexity, and beauty–immediately came to mind as a perfect fit for the space. Vermeer’s portraits are created through a unique artistic process. She first digitally blends photographs of women’s faces with varying textures, then adds by hand a layer of paint and gold leaf to the completed work. At a captivating 12-foot-height, her works create a show-stopping experience as guests enjoy a meal.
This world-class art collection curated by Saatchi Art makes the Daxton a must-see for any art aficionado and promises an unforgettable experience for every guest. If you’re interested in working with a Saatchi Art advisory on your next project, please get in touch with us at trade@saatchiart.com —we’d love to hear from you!