Downtown Sarasota Hotel Unveils New Art Exhibit

SARASOTA, FL — Three new art exhibits are on display at the Art Ovation Hotel in downtown Sarasota. The hotel is featuring works by artists from Cuba, Venezuela and Germany in its latest offering. Admission is free and the works will be on display through April 7.

"It's open to locals. It's great for guests of the hotel," a hotel spokesperson told Patch. "It's a rotating exhibit. Every three or four months or so it changes out."

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One display features a selection of works from one of the most comprehensive private collections of contemporary Cuban art in the United States: “Cuban Art of the 1980s: The Reynardus Collection."

Another crafted by German photographers Ulrich Mannchen and Jan C. Schlegel features selections from three different series: Mannchen’s “Portals — From Some Place Else” and “Lost Boys” exhibit portraits of cosplayers, Steam Punk science fiction characters and “Lolitas,” inspired by Vladimir Nabokov’s young protagonist.

The third installation features sculptures and multi-dimensional artworks displayed in “Alternative Realities” by Venezuelan artist Jose Margulis. His pieces are intended to provoke emotions that induce a state of reflection through contemplation.

“By exhibiting new installations every few months at the hotel, we are able to pay tribute to a range of artists who come from all different backgrounds and walks of life as well as showcase art that demonstrates diversity in the world,” explained Larry Abbo, CEO of Prime Hospitality Group, a partner in the ownership of Art Ovation Hotel.

The Cuban art installation focuses on the artwork of Cuban artists who left the island after 1989. It represents a generation that changed Cuba’s culture through its aesthetic practice.

"The collection reflects the vision of art collector Jorge Reynardus, a Cuban art lover who grew up in Cuba, but left in search of safer and better opportunities," according to hotel officials, who said that “Cuban Art of the 1980s” serves as a testimony of a crucial time in Cuba’s art history in the 1980s, but also to what it means to have a passion for art and live in exile.

The German photographers are founding members of White Rabbit Collective. Their exhibit features selections from three different series: Mannchen’s “Portals – From Some Place Else” and “Lost Boys” exhibit portraits of cosplayers, Steam Punk science fiction characters and “Lolitas,” inspired by Vladimir Nabokov’s young protagonist.

“I’m especially excited to present these exhibitions to Sarasota as not only are the artists remarkable, but the emotion their work evokes and their ability to help us see the world from a new point of view is so important in today’s climate. I truly look forward to the guest and community response to these culturally creative works debuting on property this month," Abbo added.

The German photographers wanted to stimulate the imagination and childhood memories in the documentation of a fascinating urban sub-culture. Schlegel’s “Essence” presents a collection of portraits of individuals representing unique cultures and traditions from the people of Kenya, Ethiopia, the Omo River Valley and Egypt.

"The images document the beauty and visual richness of the people, but denounce the threats and dangers they face due to complex phenomena," according to hotel officials. "Mannchen and Schlegel open the viewers’ eyes to the fascinating worlds of visually rich and unique rural and urban sub-cultures — showing the diversity in the lives around us, near and far."

Venezuelan artist Margulis made his geometric optical pieces by using color acrylic glass sheets with different levels of translucency. They are fixed to painted or printed surfaces, treating these three-dimensional pieces as light traps or secret blueprints.

"Since their designs can only be fully revealed by applying or 'pouring' light into them, light becomes a sort of 'ink' that reveals the design and produces multiple effects," hotel officials explained. "The patterns change based on the viewer’s perspective, which allows the work to look different depending on the location from which it is seen. This in itself is a reflection of the world today and the importance of seeing things from all sides."

Art Ovation Senior Art Curator Francine Birbragher-Rozencwaig said the hotel wants to showcase artists from all walks of life.

“Our commitment is to celebrate and support the diverse range of visual and performing arts that lies within the local community, but also look to embrace and represent the many different cultures that make up the global art community," she said.

You can find the art installations throughout the hotel's public spaces, including the Gallery Lounge in the lobby, throughout the halls on each floor and at the Perspective Rooftop Pool Bar on a self-guided tour or a guided art and wine tour hosted daily by Art Ovation’s cultural curator.

Click here to find out more about the collections and artists.

Art Ovation Hotel is located at 1255 N Palm Ave in Sarasota. Visit the Art Ovation website for more information.

Images courtesy Art Ovation Hotel