Waldorf Astoria, Kuwait

Client: Mabanee, Kuwait
Industry: Hospitality
Year: 2022
Location: The Avenues Mall, Kuwait City, Kuwait
Services: Design & Build

Featured artists: Ahmad Alwazzan, Amol Kadam, Ana Zanic, Christopher Fanelli, Irina Paramonova, Kim Knoll, Leah Caylor, Lisa Solo, Lucy Wood, Magda Majczyna, Mark Gerard, Nadia Rehman, Ranim Mansour, Rebecca Salehar, Rica Belna, Roman Dubuosov, Sabrina Garassi, Stella Jordan, Stephanie Neville, and Studio Saffar

Total no. of artworks: 1,515
Total no. of accessories: 5,241

Awards: Shortlisted for Commercial Interior Design Hospitality Awards in category ‘Best Use of Art in a Hotel Project’ 2023.

Capsule Arts were appointed to curate and produce artworks and accessories across the entire property. Through abstract interpretations of the past, present, and future of the country, the artworks and accessories deliver a memorable and authentic guest experience built on storytelling with an emphasis on Kuwait's location and the key role this played in the country’s trade history. This encompassed elements including maritime navigation, ancient trade routes, and pearl diving, to the current petroleum industry referenced as “liquid gold” – all while juxtaposing components related to the modern skyline.

For the public areas, Capsule Arts engaged an array of local, regional, and international artists, to develop a range of original paintings, embellished art prints, and photography, to textile pieces, wall installations, and sculptures. Complementing the interiors and representing the characteristic elegance of the Waldorf Astoria brand, the artworks and accessories bring a narrative to the property reflecting the essence of Kuwait.

At the guest registration and concierge desks, a set of bespoke artworks developed by digital artist Christopher Fanelli and hand embellished by artist Rebecca Salehar, were developed to show an aerial view of the gulf, and more specifically of Kuwait.

At the opposite entrance, through the peacock alley, we are welcomed by a large feature sculpture inspired by the Saker Falcon, the National bird of Kuwait. This piece was developed by Capsule Arts Studio along with artist Ranim Mansour who worked closely to represent key attributes and characteristics of the intricate texture and patterns of the feather through the pattern design.

As a backdrop for the sculpture, the framed abstract photography of Rica Belna incorporates different tones of turquoise that talk to the interiors. The layering, and fluidity of this piece remind us of wind, maintaining in this way a dialogue with the feature sculpture. As we make our way to the upper levels, we find an original framed painting in the lift lobby. This piece was created by Kuwaiti Artist Ahmad Alwazan inspired by Arabic calligraphy.

In the All-day dining, we are greeted by a framed sculptural piece inspired by an aerial view of the gulf, and the flight of the Saker Falcon over the sand dunes. We also see a series of original paintings representing travels from the gulf waters to the Mediterranean Sea; as well as a series of three textile artworks by Artist Stephanie Neville, that takes further inspiration from this narrative. 

Along the corridors, we developed a series of 39 artworks leading to the guestrooms that repeated across 7 floors. The vision for the design of the pieces was to offer a “Sense of Kuwait” while nodding to the deep blues in the interior colour palette, and bringing in a luxurious element. Multiple aspects of the local landscape were also explored – from the desert sands and sea, local plants, and birds, in juxtaposition to elements of the skyline and various architectural details representing the cityscape. Cultural traditions, Arabic calligraphy, and heritage details and textiles have also been explored in our art narrative to bring in and inform authentic moments.

For the Guestrooms and Suites, we worked with artists Ana Zanic and Sabrina Garassi on a series of artworks that were inspired by the connection between the past, present, and future of Kuwait.

Ana Zanic’s pieces represent the relation between the land and the water, with large brush-controlled marks of neutral watercolours.

Sabrina Garassi developed two series of artworks, the first was inspired by the present view of Kuwait City from the sea, and the reflection of the skyline on the water. The second was inspired by Kuwait’s petroleum industry and the role it will play in the future development of the country. These pieces were developed using acrylic, ink, pigments, gouache, and gold leaf. Both compositions show the sky depicted with light colours and soft brush strokes, while the city is represented by horizontal paint application.

In conclusion, the Waldorf Astoria Kuwait has worked closely with Capsule Arts to create a truly unique and memorable guest experience.