How do you picture Sydney? Stunning harbour vistas, sun-drenched sandy beaches peppered with wonderfully coloured cozzies and fast-paced city life all usually spring to mind.
Yet for trendy Park8 Hotel, it was the calm botanic oasis of nearby Hyde Park that served as a natural muse for the boutique interior design. Think lush green carpet, wonderfully rich wallpaper with hints of the depth and texture of native bark, artisan stools inspired by gracious tree branches, all executed with a sleek sophistication fitting a hip hotel in a world-class city.
Working alongside interior designer Connie Alessi of Archemy, and with the attentive creative direction of owner Paul Fischmann, Visual Resource was commissioned to add the finishing touches to Park8 Hotel with a series of photographic artwork.
The result: black and white images that truly bring Hyde Park from outside in. Moody and elegant, there is a whisper of darkness and drama in several of the botanic scenes, taking them beyond a parkland journey and into a more edgy Sydney experience.
"Originally we were leaning towards a collection of images from parks around the world, but it did not take us long at all to realise everything we needed in terms of creative inspiration was literally right on our doorstep.
"The moment we saw the bespoke collection from Visual Resource, we knew instantly we had made the right decision. They managed to somehow capture the calm dignity, the majestic splendour, and that fine wedge of darkness that is the soul of Hyde Park," said Marije Kleverlaan, area general manager Eight Hotels.
Printed on silver gelatin, the images are framed in classic black. Owner Paul felt strongly that the images should also be mounted on black, instead of the traditional white. Given the tendency for darker colours to collect and highlight imperfections, this was a particular challenge for the professional framer. It did however, deliver a master stroke, adding depth and crispness to the final artworks.