Paris-based Japanese artist itu’, who has garnered international recognition for his eccentric style, has brought his vision to Zentis Osaka hotel.
The captivating installation has the design-forward hotel featuring works specially created by the artist for this pop-up not only throughout its public spaces, but also as part of a bold transformation of one of its Corner Studios.
Dubbing it ‘crossover’, itu’ took inspiration for the exhibition from his own experiences at the upscale, lifestyle hotel.
“Zentis is a place where diverse people gather – regardless of nationality, generation or culture – and where each person’s values transcend borders and naturally intermingle,” the artist said.
“Similarly, with this installation, I’m endeavoring to eliminate the boundary between art and people by blurring the lines between the traditional perception of art – which is merely for viewing and appreciating from a distance – and everyday items,” itu’ said.
“While the work being viewed and the viewer are separate entities, naturally, the relationship between them changes depending on how they interact and the factors surrounding an interaction.”
Embodying that ‘crossover’ sentiment, itu’s creations for Zentis Osaka’s debut ‘Art-in-Residence’ program not only encompass over a dozen canvases on display throughout the hotel, but his free-spirited artistry has also been applied to non-traditional mediums such as glassware as well as the furnishings, curtains, bedding and other everyday items found in the room that’s been temporarily re-imagined into ‘itu’s Art Studio’.
Those who book a stay in ‘itu’s Art Studio’ will not only have the opportunity to enjoy the immersive art experience throughout the hotel and in their one-of-a-kind accommodation, but will also be able to take their in-room slippers – specially painted by the artist, with no two pairs alike – home as keepsakes.
In the public spaces, the boundaries between art and the hotel are stretched further with two staff sporting custom-painted uniforms by itu’, including stylish footwear – echoing the artistic sneakers and array of impressive collaborations that first drew attention to him.
Born in Japan’s Aichi prefecture, itu’ taught himself to paint and, in 2014, opened his own atelier in the Marais district of Paris – his playful style and vivid palette unbound by conventional canvases from the start. Over the past decade, he’s held shows in France and Singapore, hosted pop-up exhibitions, produced murals and collaborated with well-known brands.
“Since we first arrived on Osaka’s hotel scene four years ago, we set out to be a cultural hub for art, music and craftsmanship,” Zentis Osaka’s new general manager, Kiyotaka Saito, said.
“Through collaborations with artists like itu’ and other cultural pursuits – such as our ‘Salon de Zentis’ series, which is a collaboration with acclaimed music producer Naoki Tachikawa celebrating legendary musicians – we’re offering our guests new encounters that, hopefully, broaden their ideas and experiences of Japan.”
Appointed general manager ahead of the property’s fourth anniversary, Saito brings a breadth of experience, including nearly three decades with Palace Hotel Group – the company behind the Zentis brand – spent working across various hotel departments. The early part of his career included a year spent in London immersed in the inner workings of world-renowned properties such as The Savoy, Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley as part of Palace Hotel Group’s cross-training program.
New to Osaka, the Tokyoite looks forward to getting acquainted with his new home city as it prepares to welcome travelers from all over the world for Expo 2025.
‘Zentis Art-in-Residence: itu’s Crossover’ is on now until 30 September, 2024.
Feature image: Paris-based Japanese artist itu’ has brought his vision to a Zentis Osaka hotel suite.