Xavier Louyot, SVP Global Marketing Pullman invites me to discover Robert van der Hilst’s beautiful photographic work
In 2012 while Accor relaunched Pullman, the upscale international brand of the hotel group, there began the building of a contemporary art collection exploring the theme of cultural identities in a modern world, marked by universality and cultural mixing. It was according to Xavier and Rodolphe Simon, Creative Director of Accor, the perfect match for a modern brand with a heritage, which believes that tradition and innovation, far from being contradictory are complementary concepts.
The Pullman collection features both emerging and established living artists who bring a vibrant perspective to cultural identity and its roots in the present moment. One of the first artists to be exhibited (currently on the walls of the Parisian Pullman in Bercy) is photographer Robert van der Hilst. Dutch but Parisian at heart (he’s lived in Paris over 30 years and would not move back to Amsterdam). Robert’s work is inspired by this quote:
« Some 60 years ago a man in China said this: The women of this world hold up half the sky. However I would like to see the women of this world holding up all of our sky. »
The answer might lie in another artist’s work, Floriane de Lassée, also present at the Forum. Half the Sky is an exhibition presented by L’Oréal. Working with both mega-cities and remote areas, Floriane portrays women who radiate warmth and harmony. The Women’s Forum is clearly the right place to showcase her work!
