Our work with Fontainebleau Las Vegas is an ode to storytelling, branding, and design. We worked with an incredible team of collaborators such as Fontainebleau Development, Carlos Zapata Studio, David Collins Studio, Rockwell Group, Lissoni & Partners, Lifescapes International, and Jeffrey Beers International. Here, we’ll sit down with John and discuss why he decided to partner with our team at KBAA and how he led the charge for one of the most exciting developments Vegas has ever seen.

 

“Untitled 4” by Jonathan Todryk

 

Can begin by sharing a bit about how the vision for the Fontainebleau Las Vegas was conceived and the role our team at Kevin Barry Art Advisory took to help you achieve that vision?

The vision for Fontainebleau Las Vegas is firmly rooted in the history and mid-century nostalgia of the iconic Fontainebleau Miami and its visionary architect, Morris Lapidus. We delved into the perceived mindset of Morris Lapidus and strove to imagine what he would conjure up for the Fontainebleau brand if he was still alive in this day and age. His bold yet fluid architectural gestures, memorable geometric patterns and his way of juxtaposing contrasting historic styles, all with the filter of high glamor were the key elements, paramount to our design process. 

In regard to art curation, I wanted much of the art to be evocative of mid-century, abstract-expressionism yet we felt it was important to have some show-stopper, site specific art installations which speak to present day forms of expression. 

The KBAA team consisting of talented and visionary curators were certainly able to help realize this vision.

 

 

Describe the collaboration between Fontainebleau Development’s in-house design team and KBAA.

We focused on specific spaces and/or venues with individual KBAA curatorial teams. Myself and my team would provide a general idea of what we had in mind as far as a mood and/or spirit of the art we envisioned for any given area and in some cases we recommended specific artists as a general direction. Then the KBAA teams expanded upon these ideas and presented a wide array of options for each space/venue. Once myself and my team edited the options, KBAA would focus their efforts on the placement, scale, formatting, and framing details.

 

 

Can you describe the process of selecting art pieces with KBAA for the project? How did KBAA contribute to ensuring the art integrated with your design vision?

Perhaps I answered this above but to elaborate, the KBAA curatorial teams proved to have a vast knowledge of art and art history as well as their finger on the pulse of many artists and artisans who resonated with the spirit of the Fontainebleau brand. As a result, we had plenty of options to choose from.

 

An expressive piece by Heidi Lanino

 

What were some of the biggest needs or challenges in regard to the art program, and how did the collaboration with KBAA help overcome them?

No huge challenges of note but the budget for any given venue varied so we needed to stay within an allocated figure regardless of the quantity of art pieces… As a result, some areas needed extra attention in order to fit within the budget parameters while still providing the desired look and feel. KBAA was able to re-select as needed and/or find more affordable methods of production and/or framing.

 

 

In what ways do you believe the curated art has enhanced the Fontainebleau Las Vegas brand as well as contributed to the overall design aesthetic of the vast property?

We are acutely aware that art plays a vital role in hospitality environments as it creates exclamation points within the often highly designed spaces and thus, generates human connection and evokes emotion. We believe these memorable/tangible experiences along with excellent service is what resonates the most with our guests, causing them to want to return again and again.

 

 

Can you identify any unique contributions or moments where KBAA’s expertise made a positive impact in the project’s outcome?

The overall seamless efforts on the parts of the KBAA team to accomplish the monumental scope of work was above and beyond what I would have imagined was possible.

 

Reflecting on the project, why do you think an art advisory is an important component of design/development?

Especially when dealing with a large property, the benefit of having a dedicated team responsible for all aspects of the art curatorial process and the often complicated logistics, combined with access to a plethora of talent that would otherwise be unknown, is invaluable!

 

 

Do you have a favorite art piece or area that KBAA curated? Why does it stand out to you?

Our “Nowhere” jazz lounge holds the most affection to me as far as the art is concerned. I love how it feels like the private home of an astute art-collector. It is layered and rich yet the art stands out in such a way that it adds to the narrative of the venue

 

 

What advice would you give other design professionals about working with art advisors on projects of this scale and caliber?

I would say do yourselves a favor and have an accomplished team such as KBAA carry the weight of this daunting responsibility. The alternative would have been far beyond my limitations as the creative lead on a project such as this.