Press Release
‘The Opposite House’ Showcases Contemporary Chinese Art
(Beijing, February 26, 2009) – Young contemporary Chinese artists are finding a vibrant
platform for their art at The Opposite House, a luxurious, contemporary hotel by Swire Hotels.
Innovative Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, who styled the hotel with a striking emerald glass
facade, specifically designed the minimalist interiors with abundant natural light to house the
art pieces and welcome the neighborhood.
The fascinating collection of modern art by Chinese artists from China, Hong Kong, Australia
and the UK is themed after clothing and fashion, reflecting The Opposite House‟s location in
Beijing‟s vibrant Sanlitun district, an integral part of The Village at Sanlitun, Beijing‟s premier
open-plan shopping destination, developed by Swire Properties.
The collection features artistic clothing creations in various mediums, from porcelain and grass
to terracotta and PVC.
“Our goal from the start has been to create different and surprising experiences that challenge
the norm and complement the lives of our guests and passersby, while meeting our social
responsibility to emphasize Chinese culture,” said Anthony Ross, General Manager of The
Opposite House. “Supporting and showcasing contemporary Chinese artists is part of our
vision.”
Most artwork is in public areas such as the Living Room, Mesh and Village Café, with exclusive
pieces also exhibited in the Penthouse and suites.
Li Xiao Feng‟s porcelain “Beijing Memory No. 1” and “Beijing Memory No. 2” in the Living Room,
might easily be mistaken for traditional Chinese dresses, or qi-paos.
This is a deliberate ploy by the Hubei artist, whose playful, life size “wearable art” is made
from shattered antique blue and white Ming and Qing dynasty porcelain found in a construction
site by his friend. Thinking it was such a pity to just discard them, he decided to sew them into
clothing instead.
Wang Jin, a famously controversial artist from Shanxi, continues the fashion theme in the
Atrium with “Dream of China”, an ancient Emperor-style „Dragon Robe‟ made out of PVC
plastic, beautifully embroidered with coloured fishing wire and suspended midair against a dark
chocolate background.
An artist of startling creativity, developing many ideas at any one time, Wang produced some
of the most poignant Chinese art of the early 1990s. His emperor robe in PVC reflects his view
that plastic perfectly represents contemporary society, and it is a consumer product
omnipresent in developing countries that he calls “high tech rubbish.”
Beijing artist Chen Qing Qing‟s “Gown No. 1” is a kimono made of grass and pearls, measuring
about 2 metres long, is on display in the Atrium.
Continuing with the clothing theme, Hong Kong artist Fiona Wong‟ defies the limits of her small
kiln in Hong Kong with “White Wings” and “Black Flower.” Constructed of white and chocolate-
coloured terracotta pieces respectively, they are “sewn” together with copper wire. The armour
may look as if they belong on a battlefield, but their open-arms gesture actually implies the
embracing of peace and harmony.
As the location of the hotel has influenced the clothing theme in the collection, individual
pieces and their proximity to one another also presents a subtle commentary on modern
society.
Ten oversized white “Feathers” by traditional paper cutting artist, Pamela See, are suspended
in mid air. Within a few feet of “Feathers” is Kum Chi Keung‟s acrylic and wood birdcage
“Intrusion”, symbolizing the compact living spaces of modernity. “I love the dialogue that goes
on between these two pieces,” says art consult Alison Pickett. “The desire to fly away and
realize ones freedom and creativity juxtaposed against the transparent confines of everyday
city living.”
Other items in the collection include “Reproduction of Happiness” by Mok Yat San – orange
colour and clear resin bottles – found in the lounge bar Mesh and “Forbidden City, Beijing” - a
photography by Zhou Jun on display in the Penthouse of The Opposite House.
The Opposite House provides a new luxury experience for travellers who seek individuality,
style and personalized service. It appeals to those who appreciate interesting design and who
like the personalities of the staff they are served by to shine through.
The hotel‟s 99 guest studios, including 10 spacious suites, are amongst the largest in Beijing.
More than half of all the studios are over 70 sqm and all are strikingly simple with natural
wooden floors and subtle touches of Chinese décor.
The Opposite House has become a hot new dining destination in Beijing with a wealth of
culinary talent and innovative design by top restaurant designers Neri and Hu.
Bookings can be made directly by phone at +8610 6417 6688 or via the hotel‟s website at
www.theoppositehouse.com, where high res images are also available for download.
- Ends –
For further information please contact:
Elaine Yu
Assistant Communications Manager| The Opposite House
Tel: +8610 6417 6688 | [email protected]
About Swire Hotels
Swire Hotels has been created to manage intriguing urban hotels in Hong Kong, Mainland
China and the United Kingdom, providing a characterful experience for travellers who seek
individuality, style and personalised service.
The Opposite House, Beijing, opened in 2008 and was followed by The Upper House, above
Pacific Place, Hong Kong, in October 2009.
Swire Hotels opened a 345-room lifestyle business hotel called EAST, Hong Kong in Hong
Kong‟s Island East, on 25 January 2010. EAST, Beijing with 369 rooms, located within
INDIGO in Jiangtai, will open in 2012.
Swire Hotels has launched a new collection of locally inspired and stylish hotels in the heart
of great British towns and cities called Chapter Hotels. The first hotel in the collection, The
Montpellier Chapter, opened on the 29th November in Cheltenham. The second Chapter hotel
will open in Exeter in 2012.
Li Xiao Feng‟s porcelain “Beijing Memory No. 2” in the Living Room
Details of Li Xiao Feng‟s porcelain “Beijing Memory No. 2”
Famous controversial artist Wang Jin‟s fashion item - “Dream of China”
Kum Chi Keung‟s acrylic and wood birdcage “Intrusion,”