A simple string of fairy lights twinkling away is always a comforting sight – maybe it’s because it puts us in mind of the shimmering night sky, or because staring up at that big old cosmos will eternally give us a bit of hope for the future.
We felt similarly when coming in from the chilly night to view Scottish artist Max Boyla’s Christmas installation at super-boutique hotel, The Londoner. The Musselburgh-born artist is currently studying at the prestigious Royal Academy of Arts, who have partnered with The Londoner to spotlight an emerging creative. The result is ‘The Unreachable Star,’ an artwork in the form of a velvety, outstretched hand and brightly-lit star, in pride of place in the lobby.
Artist Max Boyla with his Christmas installation
Boyla has described his work as asking the question: “When the difference between real and unreal is so blurred, where does that leave our sense of being in the world?”
It’s something to ponder as you stand within the arm of the installation and peer up to its beaming star, perched in undoubtedly festive style and taking your thoughts to both the present and future. A palm extended towards the light in a show of unity, reflects the importance of sticking together in a post-pandemic world, and that helping one another is always the way forward.
A luxury guest room at The Londoner. Credit: Andrew Beasley
Just one of the hotel’s stylish bars. Credit: Andrew Beasley
As a location to contemplate joining together as one huge, positive planet, The Londoner stylishly fits the bill. Having opened its doors in September in Leicester Square, the luxury urban resort is spread across 16 storeys and has one of the deepest habitable basements in the world. With 350 guest rooms, the five-star venue was designed in collaboration with world-renowned architectural designers Yabu Pushelberg. As well as a range of rooms, suites and penthouses, facilities include two private screening rooms, an expansive ballroom, private art gallery, spa and six concept restaurants & bars.
For more info, head to thelondoner.me
