Situated amid the breathtaking Banff National Park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the renowned Fairmont Banff Springs graces the picturesque alpine town of Banff, Alberta.
At Kevin Barry Art Advisory, our reputation for enhancing ordinary spaces takes on new heights at the Fairmont Banff Springs. This exceptional hotel boasts a rich and distinctive history, dating back to 1886 when it was conceived as a stop on the romantic train journey through the Canadian Rockies. Throughout our curation, there are subtle metaphors to this experience along with creative ways to tie in the nature around the iconic, historic hotel.
Eye-catching headboard piece playing on the lines of a rail track looping through the mountains
One of our primary projects during this collaboration was art across all of the Gold Suites within the Fairmont. Above, you’ll see a playful take on rail tracks. The hand-drawn effect mimics tracks looping through mountains, enhanced with a luxurious gold texture for a truly opulent appearance. Below, another piece shows a minimal representation of the smoke of a railcare gracefully billowing in the cold air.
Headboard art in the gold suite created by Kim Knoll.
We aimed to weave a narrative seamlessly integrated into the interior design. Collaborating with two esteemed design firms, HBA San Francisco and Jeffery Beers International, we crafted mini-gallery walls within their spaces. These gallery walls feature a diverse array of elements, ranging from folded, textured origami pieces by artists like Laura Prill to historic postcards and photography.
We extended our program across many additional guest rooms. Like the one seen below, many of these rooms are centered around the peaceful, natural surroundings—taking cues from the color palette of BANFF and the textures found in nature from artists like Charlotta Maria Hauksdottir. You’ll notice many mediums, like a laser-cut layered piece or a print with a unique transparent matte that lets the wallpaper shine through.
The dimensional relief panel functions as an abstracted landscape with a horizon line and silver mountains.
This extraordinary art program at the Fairmont Banff Springs stands as a testament to the seamless fusion of artistic vision and architectural design. By offering a harmonious blend of contemporary aesthetics and timeless narratives, we’re able to create an immersive experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional hotel art.
The artwork and design reflect a contemporary interpretation of history, subtly paying homage to moments in time, from railway metaphors to the grandeur of the Rockies. This project was a delight to work on, as the Fairmont Banff Springs exudes whimsy and wonder at every turn.
