Grand Hyatt Tokyo has transformed a corner of its lobby into an art space in collaboration with creative agency One Avenue, with sustainable wooden panels put together by traditional Japanese craftsmen. This pop-up gallery is part of the hotel’s Hyatt Loves Local initiative, which seeks to collaborate with local businesses and inject some vibrancy back into the local community.
For its maiden project, the art space is exhibiting works by New York City-based Spanish-American contemporary artist Domingo Zapata. Due to the pandemic, the gallery which used to exhibit his art went out of business – this showcase marks his return to the Tokyo scene since his last exhibition in 2019.
Known for his Neo-Expressionist paintings as well as sculptures, Zapata’s work often explores themes of sexuality, opulence and vitality, where he layers fantasy onto reality, fact onto fiction to create art that exposes his poetic imagination. He draws inspiration from his native Spanish culture, his experience as a songwriter, American pop culture as well as current practices in contemporary art. His most recent claim to fame was a jaw-dropping 15-storey vinyl mural on the One Times Square skyscraper, making it the largest vinyl mural in New York City to date.
All artworks on display are available for purchase through One Avenue’s website.