Artzine

Benjamin El Doghaili on Creating Europe's Most Exciting Hotel Concept

Mama Shelter is probably one of the most exciting new hospitality concepts in Europe. Launched in 2008 by the Triagno family, the brand shook up the hospitality scene with their daring "urban refuge" concept. Their very first property opened in Paris's 20th district and quickly became famous for their one-of-a-kind concept which combines hospitality, cheekiness, food and good people. Since 2008 the brand has grown and is now embracing properties in three different continents, nine countries and fourteen cities with more opening in the pipeline. We sat down with Benjamin El Doghaili, the Head of Design for Mama Shelter and a creative mastermind in his own right. You are the Head of Design for Mama Shelter, a hospitality brand ​which is inspired by the idea of creating a different kind of hotel experience combining urban design, affordability and a touch of new-wave glamour. Can you tell us a little more about the Mama Shelter vision? Mama Shelter is a brand created 14 years ago by Trigano gang, Serge, the father, Benjamin and Jérémie, the two sons. The initial idea was to create something never seen before in the hospitality business. Some glamourous places in an area where there used to be no hotels, with a certain kind of social approach. The staff is careful but never stays standing by a front desk. They’re young and fancy looking. These are the people you see down the street. Design was unique due to the amount available for that, a very low one. From this difficulty, you make choices, you simplify and finally you have a kind of subtract that makes it so unique in its radicality. Everybody is welcome at Mama Shelter, youngsters, families, elders, you can be on your own or with your team! You feel this everywhere in every corner, from the restaurant to the bar, from the lobby to the rooms, everywhere. How would you say Mama Shelter distinguishes itself from other hotels? First, when you come from a big city, you don’t really think about Mama Shelter as a hotel but more as a restaurant, bar with hotel rooms. This seems accepted in our habits nowadays but imagine this thought 14 years ago. The design is very specific because it’s a complete piece of design. Everything you see is developed by me and my team so you will never see the same thing somewhere else. I insist on the fact that these are hotels made of design with some decoration and not decoration with some design. There is a guarantee to be out of the ordinary as I don’t want to follow design trends.  

December 14, 2022

Futura2000 Unveils 'Pointman - River Warrior' in Singapore and Bali!

New York City artist Futura2000, in collaboration with Potato Head, has created two sculptures titled 'Pointman - River Warrior', which were unveiled in Singapore and Bali. Created using waste collected across the island of Bali, Pointman speaks to Potato Head's ideation that sustainability can be beautiful. Initially lauded as a pioneering graffiti artist, Futura2000 is known for his ground-breaking use of abstraction in the 1980s and has always been progressive in his philosophy, methodology, and practice of art. Adjacent to his body of abstract paintings, he has developed a universe and lexicon around an otherworldly character: the Pointman. Over the years, Pointman has taken many forms across drawing, painting, and sculpture.

December 14, 2022

An Interview with Kevin Poon, the Founder of WOAW Gallery

Kevin Poon is a Hong Kong-based entrepreneur, fashion designer, and collector, as well as the founder of WOAW Gallery. He is the consummate networked creative figure, acting as a hub and a filter through his many entrepreneurial and artistic projects. Fuelled by Kevin's love for art and inspired by the years of building relationships and realising collaborative projects around the globe, WOAW Gallery is a dynamic, flexible, and multifaceted hub for artists, curators, galleries, and entrepreneurs. WOAW Gallery will also be opening its fourth space in Singapore on 12 January 2023, adding to its locations in Hong Kong and Beijing. Located at 4 Ang Siang Hill in the vibrant enclave of Chinatown, the launch of the new space will mark the gallery's first and only Southeast Asian outpost.  This week, The Artling had the opportunity to speak to Kevin about how he started WOAW Gallery, his collecting journey, and Hong Kong's art scene. Scroll down to find out more! 

December 12, 2022

The Artling's Return to Work 2023 Collection

We wish the holiday season could last longer than a couple of weeks, but we all need to return to work. To make the return to work exciting, here is a curated collection of artworks and design objects to spruce up your desks and walls in your offices or workspaces at home. From minimalist desk accessories to paintings and prints that add pops of colour, these pieces will surely add character to your desks and keep your creative juices flowing. Scroll down to check out our collection for your return to work in 2023!

December 12, 2022

Collecting Geometric Art - All You Need to Know

Are you familiar with geometric art? Why not make your first purchase with The Artling’s guide that will help you take that next step on your collecting journey?

December 04, 2022

New & Noteworthy Artworks for December 2022

The most wonderful time of the year is here, and with it, 10 of our new and noteworthy artworks for December 2022! The Artling has put together a curated collection of artworks that showcase the diverse ways that these talented artists express themselves and how it manifests in their vibrant abstractions, surrealist figurations, imaginative photographs, and calming colour palettes. Scroll down to check out our new and noteworthy artworks for December!  Carla Sa Fernandes

December 01, 2022

10 Designers to Look Out For in November 2022

This month, we have put together a curated selection of 10 designers to watch out for in November! These designers utilise a range of techniques to achieve their intended aesthetic. From luxurious furniture to delicate ceramics, these designers combine form and function through their innovative, hand-crafted, and inspired pieces. Scroll down to check out our new designers to watch out for in November!  Françoise Jeffrey

November 11, 2022

10 Artists to Watch Out For: November 2022

This November we are featuring 10 expressive artists who capture the world through a variety of styles and diverse mediums. From minimalist forms and bright abstract canvases to surrealist landscapes, these artists clearly demonstrate their skill and technique through paintings, watercolours, and photographs. Scroll down to check out our list of 10 artists to watch out for in November!     Carolina Alotus

November 10, 2022

The Only Figurative Art Guide You Will Ever Need

If you've been thinking about buying figurative art, look no further, as The Artling’s guide will walk you through the basics of collecting figurative art, and how you can score that perfect piece for your space.

November 04, 2022

New & Noteworthy Artworks for November 2022

Another month has rolled around, and The Artling brings you a fresh set of 10 new and noteworthy artworks for November! These artists from around the world have created eye-catching and expressive pieces that are sure to add character and colour to your walls. These artworks span a wide range of styles from still life, nature, and abstract forms to portraiture and whimsical surrealism. Scroll down to browse our top picks for November! Miri Baruch

November 01, 2022

12 Artists Capturing the Beauty of the Fall Season in Their Artworks

12 artists who capture the beauty of Fall in their paintings, photographs, and mixed media artwork bringing that cozy autumn aesthetic into your space, capturing the essence of the season

October 27, 2022

10 Watercolour Artists Who Capture the World Around Them

10 Watercolor artists who showcase the high versatility, ease, and quickness of the watercolor genre application, and the brilliance of its colors.

October 27, 2022