by The Dominick, an upscale boutique hotel in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood, is steps away from so much that’s popular about New York City. Shops, restaurants, art galleries and street art exhibitions are within walking distance.
The Dominick is located in Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood.
When exploring the neighborhoods surrounding The Dominick, it’s not uncommon to come across one of New York artist Paul Richard’s signature drip paintings. With Richard leaving his mark on the city’s sidewalks and other commonplace objects for decades, Sharon Telesca, vice president of sales and marketing at The Dominick, told me that partnering with the artist felt like a natural fit.
The Dominick has partnered with Paul Richard to convert one of their penthouses into a gallery called the Street Art Suite, where guests can stay and enjoy his work in their suite. It is a newly remodeled Landmark Sunset Penthouse Suite, a 1,700 square foot two bedroom penthouse on the 44th floor of the hotel. Guests can even purchase an artwork by Richard from the suite wall to add to their private collection.
Dominick’s Street Art Suite features several different styles of Paul Richard’s art.
Paul Richard told me that he created the art in the suite over a period of months. He said: “There are a few general themes including drip paintings, conceptual pieces and oil on canvas. All of the work was inspired in some way by street art I’ve done and iconic New York motifs like manhole covers, water towers, the Chrysler and road signs.”
Even the bathrooms have inspired the art.
“Some pieces were created specifically for the suite. My goal was to bring some of the ethos and energy of the streets of SoHo and surrounding areas into the suite,” he added.
Part of the art is on found objects.
Richard was able to stay in the suite himself before it was offered to the public and the artist shared: “It’s very relaxing and it’s a time to experience the city on your own terms. It’s an uplifting treat and spa for the mind. I love the location, historic SoHo and the view is stunning.”
Guests can learn more about each piece during their stay.
The suite exhibition includes several different styles of Richard’s work. “The drip paintings in the suite were inspired by similar paintings I had painted on the streets of New York. They are based on an outline drawing exercise I learned in drawing class as a kid, where you look at the subject but not the paper, and draw all the outlines of the subject with one solid line, without lifting the pen. The modified street signs try to transform the traffic signs into a work of art where they still function as signs. The tube of oil paint on wood attempts to bring the oil on wood medium to its most basic form or essence and is a nod to Dadaism,” he explained.
Thought-provoking art is part of the experience.
If you think street art might seem odd for a luxury suite, the juxtaposition might be a statement in itself. Richard himself loves this inevitability of the city. He remarked, “One of the things I love about New York City is the juxtaposition of aesthetics. You’ll find Brutalist architecture alongside Renaissance or renegade street art alongside a formal art gallery or a hot dog cart on the same block as a Michelin-starred restaurant.”
There is another entertaining aspect to staying in this luxurious, ornate suite. The guests get their own commissioned work of art.
“After booking a stay in the Street Art Suite, The Dominick connects guests with Paul Richard and his gallerist to discuss their commissioned work. There are different styles, mediums, screens and locations that need to be considered,” said Telesca.
Options for guests to choose from include a drip-painted portrait on cotton paper, oil on canvas, or even alterations to found objects around the city, such as a skeleton, among others. B. Street signs on free-standing doors. Guests can even choose to have their own portrait turned into a permanent piece of New York street art. Richard works with guests to see a piece for a private collection or one on the city street scene.
“I am very happy to share my work with the Street Art Suite. I can’t think of a better place for this collection and I’m grateful that The Dominick felt that my playful street art compulsions should be shared not only with those outside but also inside,” explained Richard.
The Street Art Suite will be available at The Dominick until June 2023.
