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Design-led hotel collection, Ovolo, is collaborating with Melbourne contemporary art gallery MARS and Sydney based arts consultancy Soda Arts to curate a compelling art pop up exhibition throughout the eclectic spaces of Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour, including the penthouse suite ‘Stirred’, from 13 – 15 June, 2019.

Infusing art and history, Ovolo 1888 blends together modern design with rich heritage, bringing a new and exciting boutique hotel experience to Sydney’s Darling Harbour. The hotel boasts artwork by Sydney artist Jasper Knight, known for his artistic indications to Sydney Wharf and Harbour. Knight’s iconic ‘machinery’ and ‘old factory’ vibe incorporated with wild blocks of colour keeping the history of this iconic Sydney building alive.

The pop-up will feature artwork and installations from 21 contemporary Australian artists for guests and art lovers alike. The exhibitors include established artists represented by MARS Gallery, alongside a selection of compelling emerging practitioners, such as; Chris Bennie, Harriet Body, Lars Breuer, Erin Coates, Korban/Flaubert, Lyn&Tony, Jane McKenzie, Hitesh Natalwala, Paula do Prado and Datsun Tran.

‘Pop-up In A Penthouse’ is an opportunity to experience exceptional contemporary Australian art in an unconventional and alluring setting. Guests and visitors will be welcomed by a series of anthropomorphic sculptures scattered throughout the foyer by artist Aly Aitken. At once familiar yet foreign, Aitken’s work explores the persistence of memory (or the debilitating feeling of losing it completely) through her life-sized assemblages.

The journey of discovery continues into the guest rooms with a range of paintings, sculptures and video work on display. Sophia Hewson is a multidisciplinary artist who generates ways of speaking about the body, which are alternatives to patriarchal ideology encoded in art, law, language and economy. She will present a series of oil on board works.

Ovolo will also embrace its tongue-in-cheek approach to life with a cheeky video-art installation by Hannah Raisin. The shocking yet light-hearted piece pokes fun at preconceptions of ‘being a lady’ and features a frozen strawberry protruding from the risk-taking artists’ bottom.

Ovolo Founder and CEO Girish Jhunjhnuwala is proud for Ovolo Hotels to be a part of this journey of art in Sydney, illustrating the company’s support for art and events such as The Other Art Fair and The Affordable Art Fair which support up and coming artists.

“’Pop-up In A Penthouse’ is just the innovative and experiential event Ovolo loves! MARS Gallery and Soda Arts, have been so supportive in helping us continue to push the boundaries and to disrupt the hospitality industry, challenging the perception of hotels. We’re fusing dining, effortless accommodation and art galleries, bringing art to life at Ovolo. Our guests and the local community will always be surprised and inspired with out of the box experiences,” said Jhunjhnuwala