An Afternoon with Artists~
Who else can say that they got Douglas Coupland into bed, in his own themed suite??
Today we were at Fairmont Pacific Rim for a celebration of art, culture and connection; as they launched their latest art collection, located on the second floor mezzanine.
We were able to preview Figures – (as taken from the press release) “the latest exhibition at The Pacific Gallery curated in partnership with Equinox Gallery. The series explores the human form in all its complexity through the lens of some of Canada’s most celebrated artists, and a few of them were in attendance today, including Vancouver’s own Douglas Coupland.”
So much of an iconic figure with his artwork so widely appreciated that the hotel has even decorated a suite in his honour. More about that below.
For those unfamiliar, “Douglas Coupland is a global creative powerhouse who broke large with his 1991 novel, Generation X. He’s since written 14 novels in 37 languages, as well as written and performed for England’s Royal Shakespeare Company. His visual art career exploded in the early 2000s with his works now prized by museums and collectors. He has long-forged relationships with the New York Times, The Financial Times of London, the fashion house Valentino and Google’s Paris Cultural Institute. He lives and works in Vancouver, BC, and is an Officer of the Order of Canada and the French Legion of Honor. Technically, he is a knight.” (As taken from the Fairmont’s website in advertisement of his suite)
Also known for his digital orca by the new convention centre, the two rotating children that crown the Fairmont Pac Rim’s Lobby Lounge space, and the decorated car hoods that hang in the hotel’s foyer.
And right now, across the hotel in the Shaw Communications building there are two additional art pieces by Coupland, on featured display.
But I digress, back to the art at hand. The collection wrapped around the bend and covered various mediums and styles.
I was partial to the striped photography piece with fruit, one that used paint glob-ed on at peaks for a 2D affect, and the vulnerable portraits.
I actually came earlier to be able to take it all in and read up on the pieces before the crowd gathered and held the space.
As guest enjoyed bubbles, wine, or cocktails in the gallery, small bites were also passed. Sushi in rolls, as toppings over crispy rice, and as tacos from the Lobby Lounge.
We also had the ability to meet and mingle with featured artists Douglas Coupland, Angela Grossmann, and Adad Hannah. This was a rare opportunity to connect with the creative minds behind the work.
After introductory speeches, we were ushered up to Suite X. This “is a one-of-a-kind concept designed in collaboration with internationally acclaimed Canadian visual artist and author, Douglas Coupland, and the hotel’s co-owner and developers, Westbank and Peterson. Set within a reimagined Fairmont Gold Corner Suite, the space is inspired by Generation X, Coupland’s novel that helped define and popularize an entire generation, and offers an immersive experience that pays tribute to the demographic that reimagined identity, technology and art.”
“Blurring the lines between art, design, and hospitality, Suite X is a vibrant extension of the newly renovated Fairmont Gold experience, offering guests an exclusive opportunity to step inside Coupland’s world – an immersive living gallery inspired by his fascination with contemporary culture, technology, and Canadian identity. Drawing on his signature pop-art aesthetic, the suite integrates bold visuals, custom-designed furniture, an in-suite bar, and unexpected design moments that invite introspection and spark conversation.” (Best described and taken from Fairmont’s website.)
We had the time to explore the suite at our leisure, poking, proding, and discovering. Admittedly I am not well immersed in the art and culture scene, but as a consumer and a lover of an out of the box experience, this one checks all said boxes.
This is the Pac Rim’s Fairmont Gold Corner Suite with mountain views. It is 1200sqft and can house four people across one king bed room, a pull out double sofa bed, two washrooms, a dining room table, and bar with mini fridge.
You get Stunning view of the city Stanley Park to Canada place with the hotel’s pool and the sea plane dock in between.
Your head is on a swivel surveying the space. Despite all the decor, art, and artifacts there was plenty of sprawling room in the living room.
Everything was a conversation starter between the hollow table that doubled as a giant showcase box. The ceiling papered with his art, and the curated selection of coffee table books spoke to his tastes.
Even the throw blankets and quilts for use were art. In retrospect and by comparison, the living rug was pretty generic.
Douglas was incredibly gracious and available for photos. He didn’t flinch when I cheekily declared I wanted a photo with him bed.
He suggested my artist friend take one with him in the washroom. One of his favourite pieces was above the master bedroom’s toilet and he gushed about the premium quality toilet as the struck a pose.
This was Japan’s finest with heated seat, bidet function, plus it talked and sang to you. I made sure to take the opportunity to utilize this to the fullest.
And while I was in the washroom I also sized up the tub and tried on the robe for size. At $6k a night, I am not sure I will get another opportunity to visit such a marvel. The first guest to stay in Suite X was American singer and musician, Eddie Vedder.
Coupland also made time and conversation with those who could hold on in discussion of art and culture.
For those who could not, and were more here for the experience and to appreciate from afar, Suite X’s bar was open and Pac Rim’s beverage director was slinging full servings of the new The Caviar Martini.
We tried a glass during our lunch at the Lobby Lounge earlier, but at $98 a glass were not about to decline another one now. This is even more of a showstopper, watching it being made. It features the exclusive Belvedere 10 Vodka, which is rare, for most vodkas are not aged for that long. The bottle is stunning and a piece of functional art itself.
This is mixed with Vermouth Aroma, Liquid Olive, and Caviar. The cocktail is smooth and velvety on the lips, with the caviar to tone and temper as a side bite. The olive was a pleasant surprise. It popped with juices like a bubble tea juice pearl, but with everything you like about a briny olive. I had one, some had three.
In short, this is a magical and fantastical space that features original works by Coupland and curated literature from the artist’s own personal collection and the TASCHEN library. The experience evokes the feeling of sitting in Coupland’s own living room, where every detail has been thoughtfully considered by the artist himself. In fact, I have a friend that has been to his home and can vouch that all the pieces pictured here were from it. She was there when he went through and considered what to pull from his literal personal collection to outfit this room.
Fairmont Pacific Rim Lobby Lounge
1038 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0B9
(604) 695-5557
lobbyloungerawbar.com
