Visions of Istanbul

The crystal chandeliers and balustrades of the 19th-century Dolmabahçe Palace soar above the lobby of the Raffles Istanbul, digitally stitched together into a hyper-real photo-collage of ornate architectural details. A full eight metres high, the piece provides a striking focal point for the sleek, airy space, welcoming visitors to a hotel infused with art, and with the city’s history.

In making this signature photographic work, French artist Jean-François Rauzier has “transformed reality, and in doing so launches the viewer on a journey into a dream of historic legend and modern fantasy,” says Matthew Whitaker, director of global art-consultancy firm Canvas, which curated more than 200 original artworks for the Raffles Istanbul.

“Rauzier’s rich and fantastical photographic composition was designed for the Lobby Lounge as a way to introduce hotel guests to The Dream of Istanbul and to draw them into the experience, making them feel that they are enveloped by the fascination and mystery of the city first-hand during their stay,” Whitaker says.....

Read the rest of my article on the Raffles Istanbul art collection, featuring more than 200 specially commissioned works by Turkish and international artists, in the Spring 2015 issue of Selections magazine: "To Sleep, Perchance to Dream" (pdf)