Work is now complete on an ambitious, large scale art project at Hilton Brisbane's Vintaged Bar, which saw a local artist combine his skills with one of Australia's most renowned modernists.   

The hotel's iconic central atrium was the canvas for local artist Simon Degroot as he hand painted a recreation of sketches from the office of legendary architect Harry Seidler.

According to Hilton Brisbane General Manager Ronald van Weezel, the artwork encompasses a total space of 18 metres squared (6 x 3 metres) and would provide an interesting frame above Vintaged Bar.

“This is the only hotel Harry Seidler designed in the country so it was important the new artwork not only reflected this but also drew inspiration from him," said van Weezel. "The hotel displayed many original sketches handpicked by Seidler, some of which became a reality and others which did not.

“The painting which Simon Degroot has created was taken from an old sketch in Harry Seidler's office, which we think was indented to become a public mural but never became a reality.”

Landini Associates Principal Mark Landini was responsible for the hotel's significant refurbishment in 2012 and was also charged with the delivery of this major artwork.

“I always said I would honour Seidler's modernist approach to designing interiors and this is what we did," said Landini. "Over the years, we have even purchased artwork by an artist he [Seidler] had started collecting so it seemed natural to use this sketch too."

Simon Degroot said he was inspired by the architectural designs and the existing artwork at Hilton Brisbane, specifically inspired by the form, furniture and carpet design located in the Vintaged Bar area.

“Sitting in the Vintaged Bar area and looking up through the central atrium interior of the building it is interesting to note how the floor levels are reflected in a mirror image of each other," said DeGroot. "The artwork gives the appearance of a screen print on a canvas and will be a central focus point of the Bar."

Mr van Weezel said the hotel will use a cutting edge lighting system to ensure the artwork was displayed correctly in any situation.

“We have utilised the newest technology in lighting, with the special lens inserted within each spotlight which anticipates, corrects and matches the light according to the situation, ensuring the correct colour intensity is matched to the artwork and surrounds,” van Weezel said.

To celebrate the completion of the artwork, Simon Degroot will be showing a free exhibition at Hilton Brisbane highlighting the creative journey he undertook in the creation of the Vintaged Bar artwork.  

Entitled After Image, the exhibition will run until 30 August 2014 and feature 12 sketches of working samples from the original mural.

After Image will be held in the business centre located on Level Six of Hilton Brisbane. 

Media can access additional information about Hilton Brisbane at http://news.hilton.com/brisbane

About Hilton Brisbane

Since opening its doors in 1986, the Hilton Brisbane has been regarded a true international hotel. One of the hotels to be designed by award-winning Australian architects Harry Seidler, Hilton Brisbane features an eye-catching curved design and boasts the largest atrium in Australasia, stretching 83 metres in height and topped by a spectacular glass dome. All 319 accommodation levels open out onto the atrium, giving the hotel a sense of spaciousness and light. Hilton Brisbane has emerged from extensive refurbishments as one of Brisbane's leading five star hotels. When you stay with Hilton Brisbane you'll be at the heart of a vibrant metropolis with all the choice and excitement of a big city, and the unpretentious charm of a small. Find us online at www.brisbane.hilton.com  www.vintagedbarandgrill or follow us www.facebook.com/hiltonbrisbane www.instagram.com/hiltonbrisbane @hiltonbrisbane #vintaged #hiltonbrisbane  and www.twitter.com/hiltonbrisbane  and www.twitter.com/vintagedgrill #vintaged

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