Artelier Curation: Rosewood Miyakojima, Japan

Artelier
Jun 25
6 min read

Updated: Jun 27

Collaborating with the world's most prestigious hotel brands, Artelier develops bespoke art collections for global projects in locations such as Europe, the Arabian Peninsula and Asia. Each carefully crafted hotel art collection speaks to the unique culture of its context, bringing local heritage to life for a wide audience. Promoting talented local and international artists, every hotel collection feels both relevant and fresh.

An Oasis Amidst Amidst the Cliffs

Rosewood entrusted Artelier with the task of curating a unique art collection for their newly envisioned resort hotel, a contemporary manifesto to the art of modern luxury.

Nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Miyakojima's deep blue waters and gentle breezes, our team meticulously researched, commissioned, and curated the entire collection, drawing inspiration from the essence of the Ryukyu Island spirit, the profound connection between spiritual harmony and the rich cultural craftsmanship of Japanese heritage.

To learn about the unique customs and qualities of the island, click on an individual image above

Curatorial Approach

" Miyakojima has a powerful connection to the natural world: the abundance of local plants immerses island people in nature’s beauty, inspiring them to feel a spiritual connection to Mother Nature and its resources. As well as exploring the symbolism and mythology of Miyakojima’s nature, our artistic themes look to the rich crafts that have developed through the creative use of indigenous materials, such as indigo plants, local stone and Ryukyuan clays. In exploring Miyakojima’s distinctive heritage, the themes reveal intriguing parallels with wider Japanese artistic philosophies. From the principles of Zen gardens to the irregular beauty of Wabi-Sabi, iconic Japanese concepts form a natural connection to the art and landscape of Miyakojima. The forward-thinking philosophies and bold aesthetics of traditional Japanese art inspired modern art globally, connecting Japan to an international audience. The resulting artistic themes therefore offer a perspective on Miyakojima that is simultaneously rooted in local nature and culture, whilst relating to a broad international context. The contemporary artworks reinterpret the revolutionary ideas inherent in traditional Japanese aesthetics, and extend these philosophies for the present day. "

Marie Boutignon, Senior Curator, Designer & Styling for the Project

The photograph captures an upscale and inviting interior space, seemingly a restaurant or lounge, with a breathtaking ocean view. The decor is elegantly sophisticated, with a neutral color palette that allows the vibrant turquoise sea to take center stage.

The interior is laid out with dining in mind, featuring several tables set with dining ware, indicating a ready-to-serve atmosphere. Seating options include chairs with wooden frames and cushioned seats, as well as a banquette-style seating area that offers a more relaxed dining experience. Decorative pillows add a touch of comfort and style to the banquette.

The architecture is modern and minimalist, with clean lines and floor-to-ceiling dark-framed windows that provide panoramic views of the ocean. The windows slide open, creating a seamless transition between the indoor space and the outdoor environment.

The stunning oceanic vista features a range of turquoise and blue hues under a sky dotted with white clouds. There is a beach area with lounge chairs and sun umbrellas, suggesting a private or resort location. An abstract sculpture, possibly made of bronze or copper, stands prominently on a plinth, adding an artistic focal point to the outdoor area.

Overall, the photograph conveys a sense of luxury, tranquility, and exquisite design, promoting a high-end dining or relaxation experience with an unparalleled view.

Free-standing Verdigris Patina Sculpture

Ryukyuan livelihood depends on the ocean, which has sustained the islands for generations. Reminiscent of a wave form, the sculpture focuses the viewers’ eye, encouraging them to look through the sculpture onto the ocean view beyond.

Meet the Artist: Andrew Sinclair, UK

Verdigris Patina Sculpture

Andrew Sinclair is recognised as a master of world-class sculpture and is one of the world’s leading realist figurative sculptors working today. He teaches his unique ‘narrative realism’ to students all over the world and has now been working to commission for over 30 years. Andrew’s recent projects include the award-winning Duke of Wellington’s Regiment Memorial in Halifax town centre and David Bowie sculpture in Aylesbury. His impressive catalogue of work graces many distinguished historical properties and public places such as the Royal Box at Ascot and Crosby Hall (Sir Thomas More’s old palace) in London.

The photograph captures a glimpse into a luxurious and well-appointed bedroom, seamlessly blending indoor comfort with outdoor tranquility. The image is dominated by a partially visible bed in the foreground, covered with crisp white linens and a subtle blue trim.

Through a wide-open sliding glass door, the outdoor area beckons. A patio is furnished with two elegant lounge chairs on wheels, complete with plush cushions and a small, round table. A large umbrella provides shade, creating an inviting space for relaxation. The background is dotted with lush greenery and trees, suggesting a serene and private setting.

Adjacent to the bed, on the right side of the frame, hangs a framed piece of abstract art. The artwork features a pattern of squares and circles in shades of white and muted blue, adding a touch of contemporary elegance to the room.

The walls are painted in a soft, neutral tone, providing a calming backdrop that enhances the overall sense of luxury and sophistication. The image is well-lit, with natural light filtering in from the open door, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

Kasuri-style textile with overlapping layers of ink on canvas

The local craft of Miyako jōfu & graphic blurring patterns of Kasuri design are reimagined in contemporary screen print on textiles.

Meet the Artist: Artelier Studios, UK

Mixed Media

With degrees in fine art, art theory and art history from the UK and abroad, our curatorial team plays a key role in shaping narratives, researching themes, and unearthing local historical gems. At our Bristol-based studio, our design team collaborates closely with skilled artists and a carefully selected group of creatives dedicated solely to Artelier. This deep connection between curators and artists results in a dynamic and cohesive creative process.

An indoor shot focuses on a living room area that has a light, earth-tone color palette, accented by the art on the wall and various elements on the coffee table.

The focal point is a light beige or khaki-colored sectional sofa that features an assortment of throw pillows in complementary shades of beige and moss green. One pillow is adorned with a leaf or foliage pattern in neutral tones.

Above the sofa, an art piece that depicts a seascape with palm trees is framed in a dark material for added contrast against the light beige walls. The image appears to be a painting or print featuring tranquil blues and greens of the sea, sky, and landscape elements within the composition, invoking a sense of relaxation.

In the lower right corner, a round coffee table adds depth to the scene. On top of it, there are books, a decorative sculpture, and a vase filled with vibrant orange bird-of-paradise flowers and monstera leaves, introducing bold colors and fresh organic textures.

Next to the couch, to the left of the scene, is a built-in shelving unit that carries the same beige tones as the room. A small section of a textured dark wood element is visible on the right, suggesting a partial view of another architectural component.

The floors below the furniture are covered with a neutral-toned rug, providing a soft texture underfoot and grounding the furniture arrangement. The lighting appears warm and diffused, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Prints & Original Paintings on Canvas

Abstract interpretations of Miyako’s Eastern Cape with rocks & the ocean are developed into a print series, as well as original paintings for the larger villas

A high-angle, full studio shot displays a cracked, circular sculpture with a hole in its center, set against a neutral gray surface. The sculpture, resembling a stone disk, exhibits a fractured surface pattern reminiscent of aged pottery or ancient artifacts.

The color palette predominantly features shades of white, gray, pink, and pale green, with black lines accentuating the cracks and texture of the piece. A glossy, blue-gray band bisects the disk, adding a contrasting smooth element to the otherwise rough aesthetic.

The central hole is cleanly cut, exposing the gray background and drawing the viewer's eye into the piece. The surface of the disk has a tactile quality, suggesting depth and history within the material. The sculpture's aged look is enhanced by the subtle variations in color and the irregularity of the cracks, creating a sense of depth and character.

Raku Ceramic Wall Plaque

The mud of the Paantu festival has a natural link to the medium of clay – which transforms the earth itself into art. A ceramic wall plaque evokes the textural variety and cracking of the mud as it dries on islanders after the Paantu ritual.

Meet the Artist: Peter Hayes, UK

Raku-fired ceramics

This British sculptor and ceramicist based in Bath has spent over forty years learning the ancient craft of Raku. His biomorphic sculptures are held in prestigious collections internationally, including national galleries

in Scotland and Belgium. With an innate drive to understand the origins of ceramic art and its ancient connection to the Earth, Hayes has engaged with communities across the world where traditions of the artform are centuries-old. In keeping with the Raku ceramics tradition, Hayes works exclusively with natural earth clay and the flames of the kiln to create contemporary pieces. Visit his profile here.

A symmetrical, straight-on shot showcases a hallway featuring a decorative statue or sculpture. A pedestal is centered within the scene, serving as the statue's base. The dark wood floor runs lengthwise, creating a continuous sight line toward the statue.

The color palette is neutral, dominated by shades of brown and gray. The wooden walls and doors, positioned on either side of the hallway, are a similar shade of brown with a subtle gray undertone. The wood grain is slightly visible, adding texture.

The pedestal is marbled. The marble is patterned with swirls of white, blue, and hints of orange. The statue atop features a combination of geometric and organic shapes carved from a light brown material.

The ceiling is dark brown. A series of recessed lights are incorporated into the dark ceiling, casting a soft, ambient light. The walls feature a textured finish, adding depth. The photograph has been taken with care to maintain straight lines and symmetry, emphasizing the architectural harmony of the space.

Oak Sculpture, Hand-Engraved

Inspired by the materiality of mud, a wooden figurative sculpture is finished with grooves imitating rolling clay – symbolising members of the community who have just been blessed.

Meet the Artist: James Patrick Crisp, UK

Wood carving

Crisp was trained as a specialist wood carver and joiner before becoming a full-time artist. His comprehensive workshop and studio experience brings a highly sophisticated quality to his work. Crisp’s work has garnered international attention from private collectors across Europe, as well as corporate commissions in the UK.

From a mostly low-angle perspective, a painting with white and black abstract brushstrokes hangs on a white wall connected to a window frame, near the corner of a sofa, with natural light coming in through the window.

The painting is rectangular, appears to be framed in black, and split horizontally in two. The upper two-thirds of the painting features white abstract brushstrokes that resemble a landscape of small rolling hills. The strokes are primarily horizontal and uniformly spaced, with the tops of the strokes having a rounded, hill-like shape. The bottom third of the painting contrasts sharply with thick black paint splattered with white, creating a densely detailed texture.

The painting is mounted on a flat white wall, which then connects to a large window frame comprised of two components. The top of the frame features horizontally spaced, black air vents. To the right of the painting is a vertical section of the frame painted a similar white as the wall, and next to that is another black piece ending the frame. Outside the window, slightly blurry due to the camera's focus, is a landscape with green trees and a cloudy sky in the distance.

In the foreground, the top of a couch can be seen, with taupe colored cushions. The angle suggests a view from a slightly lower, angled view, looking up and across the room. Light from the window illuminates the scene, casting soft shadows and highlighting the textures of the painting and the surrounding architecture.

Abstract Expression on Canvas

The movement of rubbing mud as a blessing is reinterpreted in the dynamic gestures of a painting on canvas.

A vertically-oriented close-up shot shows a framed piece of art hanging on a white wall. The art features a white background on which several clusters of blue dots are arranged, with the dots radiating away from a central point in each cluster, creating shapes that resemble feathers or grass. The dots are darker near this central point, with each individual dot fading to white as it moves away. The arrangement has a somewhat swirling pattern that overall is evenly dispersed across the canvas. The frame is brown and appears dark in color. The wall is off-white with subtle texture.

Painting with Ink Fingerprints

Evocative patterns of finger prints have an elemental presence, suggesting flames or lingering smoke marks. Whilst also connecting to the tactile nature of smearing mud, their hypnotic atmosphere resonates with the festivals’ spirituality. The shape of the island can be seen within the artwork.

A vertical shot showcases a decorative niche in a light-colored, matte-finished wall, featuring three arranged, circular, textured artworks, and two wooden shelves.

The niche is framed by what appears to be textured plaster molding. At the top of the niche is a wooden mantel-like structure, possibly made of reclaimed lumber with grey tones. A small recessed light is centered underneath the mantel, casting a downward glow.

The three circular pieces of art are displayed vertically, from the bottom to the top. Each piece has a textured surface, appearing to be carved or molded with patterns of lines and curving shapes that contrast against plain spots.

At the bottom of the niche, a narrow shelf is crafted from the same type of wood as the top mantel, providing a subtle base for the artwork. The wall surrounding the niche is a soft, almost off-white or cream color, contributing to a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Trio of hand-carved clay wall pieces with natural unglazed finish

The practice of gravel raking in Zen gardens draws reference to ocean waves & patterns in the sand, & this is brought to life through a wall-mounted niche sculpture made of hand-carved clay panels.

Against a plain grey background, two circular wood slices are stacked vertically on an approximately square, tan colored stone, which is surrounded by pale, small stones. The upper slice is light brown in color, and has irregular dark spots and holes across its surface. The lower slice is a slightly darker brown, and appears to be composed of two pieces of wood joined in the center. The stone block is roughly textured and tilted slightly to the left. The small stones scattered around the base are of varying sizes and shades of off-white and grey.

Oak Sculpture

Amamikyu created the islands from three elements: grass, trees, & stone. The essence of each organic material is captured in a poetic sculpture made from local resources, which are playfully positioned amongst the wellness gardens.

A wood sculpture rests on top of a reddish-brown cabinet with white horizontal lines. The sculpture appears to be from a section of a tree, with a large circle cut out from the middle, and a vertical split towards the top. The split appears to separate the sculpture into two parts. The sculpture is supported by a rectangular wooden base, mounted on top of a metal base. The cabinet features a shiny surface and is placed in an open room, with the back of a plant visible behind the sculpture as well as an open window. A light-colored wall is behind the window.

Carved Wooden Sculpture with Limed Finish

The exposed mark-making of a carved wood sculpture presents traces of a human touch; the grooves resemble the natural irregularity and finger marks, connecting to the hands that made the Aikatazumi walls.

Meet the Artist: Benoit Averly, France

Wood sculpture

This French artist masterfully brings wood to life through refined sculptures. Trained under renowned woodturner Richard Raffan and other leading sculptors across North America and Europe, Averly’s award-winning works are exhibited internationally. Inspired by nature, architecture and indigenous crafts, Benoît Averly is a sculptor who intuitively hand carves wood to create organic and refined minimalist forms. Thoughtfully crafted in his studio amid the forests of central France, each piece has a strong sense of contrast that plays on the effects of light, line and texture. Averly’s working environment is central to his practice, and by carefully sourcing the oak, ash, walnut and cherry from the forest around him, he maintains a sustainable and harmonious working practice. Visit his profile here.

A ceramic vase sits atop a wooden pedestal against a light beige wall, creating a simple yet striking display. The vase, the focal point of the image, features an abstract design of broad, overlapping brushstrokes in shades of gray and white. The strokes give the vase a dynamic and modern appearance, with the contrast in colors emphasizing the texture and depth of the design.

The pedestal, constructed from light-colored wood, serves as a solid and neutral base for the vase. Its clean, geometric design provides a contemporary feel, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the presentation. The surface of the pedestal is smooth, with subtle wood grain visible, adding a touch of natural warmth to the scene.

The background features a light beige wall, providing a soft and unobtrusive backdrop that allows the vase and pedestal to stand out. The lighting in the image appears diffused, casting gentle shadows that highlight the three-dimensional form of the vase and the texture of the wooden pedestal. Two bright blue lines reflect in the vase. The composition is simple yet elegant, drawing the viewer's attention to the interplay of form, color, and texture.

Ceramics with Expressive Brushstrokes

The dyeing process of Miyako jōfu textiles is expressed through gestural brushes of indigo, giving a creative and contemporary interpretation of the layered washes.

Meet the Artist (top & bottom right): Tom Kemp, UK

Ceramic

Tom Kemp is a mainly self-taught British artist whose work has gained a quick following and is now in private collections all over the world. His work stems from a fascination with writing - the physical making of visual language - which has led to vast explorations of calligraphy. The discovery of the ‘calligraphic nature of throwing’ at a weekend ceramics course about seven years ago provided Kemp with the discovery of a whole new surface to work on, with ‘natural, three-dimensional curves which are far more complex and interesting to write on than a flat sheet of paper’.

Meet the Artist (bottom left): Hajime & Yoko Umekita, Japan

Ceramic

Hajime Umekita first came to Okinawa at the age of 28 as a photographer, but then became interested

in pottery and started working as an assistant to a potter. Yoko Umekita started as a jewellery designer after graduating from Tokyo University of the Arts, Department of Crafts. A joint venture between husband and wife, Sesokojima Pottery focuses on works inspired by the nearby nature, animals, and sea. Theses pieces, which were made specially for Rosewood Miyakojima, take inspiration from classic Yachimun patterns.

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An overview of a well-designed living space is presented. The room has a white, marble-tiled floor and is furnished with a variety of modern pieces. In the center of the view are two brown velvet chairs surrounding a small, round marble table with white roses atop. Just beyond, a sleek, dark wood coffee table is positioned in front of a beige couch adorned with olive green and leaf-patterned pillows. Two light green, wicker chairs flank each side of the couch.

Above the couch are two geometric black and white paintings, hung beneath a white archway accented with soft, white lighting that extends towards the ceiling. Two tall, black shelving units stand on either side of the frame, each containing green plants, decorative vases, and small cabinets.

The walls are painted white, and several doorways are noticeable in a muted olive green. Tall, white curtains are partially visible, adding softness to the room's aesthetic. The space is naturally lit, contributing to the overall serene ambiance. — **Bespoke art collection curated, commissioned and installed by Artelier for Raffles Al Areen Palace, Bahrain © Tooze Studio**

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An Oasis Amidst Amidst the Cliffs

Curatorial Approach

Free-standing Verdigris Patina Sculpture

Meet the Artist: Andrew Sinclair, UK

Verdigris Patina Sculpture

Kasuri-style textile with overlapping layers of ink on canvas

Meet the Artist: Artelier Studios, UK

Mixed Media

Prints & Original Paintings on Canvas

Meet the Artist: Peter Hayes, UK

Raku-fired ceramics

Oak Sculpture, Hand-Engraved

Meet the Artist: James Patrick Crisp, UK

Wood carving

Abstract Expression on Canvas

Painting with Ink Fingerprints

Trio of hand-carved clay wall pieces with natural unglazed finish

Oak Sculpture

Carved Wooden Sculpture with Limed Finish

Meet the Artist: Benoit Averly, France

Wood sculpture

Ceramics with Expressive Brushstrokes

Meet the Artist (top & bottom right): Tom Kemp, UK

Ceramic

Meet the Artist (bottom left): Hajime & Yoko Umekita, Japan

Ceramic

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Further Reading