Sofitel New York’s latest exhibition showcases aluminum dresses and paintings of self-taught artist and sculptor Stephane Koerwyn. “When Art Becomes Fashion: From Canvas to the Runway” runs through October 21 under the patronage of The Consul General of France, Anne-Claire Legendre. The exhibition marks the artist’s New York debut following shows in Dubai, London, Paris, San Francisco, Singapore and Tokyo, as well as Washington, D.C., where he exhibited at the Embassy of France and the International Monetary Fund headquarters during the 2019 IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings.
Showcasing a number of Koerwyn’s one-of-a-kind dresses and canvas paintings, the exhibit’s setting in Sofitel New York reflects a perfect symbiosis — an exhibition of French elegance and art de vivre displayed in a hotel that celebrates French art and culture in every aspect of the guest experience. Another experience for art aficionados was the chance to watch Koerwyn paint live in the lobby for two hours a day from September 9-12.
The hotel offers the opportunity to learn from the artist; Sofitel New York guests can unleash their own inner artist with a private, half-day painting workshop with Koerwyn. The artist will guide each guest through his process of painting on aluminum and will transform the two completed works into one mini dress that will be theirs to keep.
While the Sofitel exhibit is Koerwyn’s first in New York, it marks the French artist’s return to the city that launched his artistic journey. After more than 20 years in senior marketing positions with multinational corporations, the Parisian sought to reconnect with his love for art through a series of painting classes. A trip to NYC to pursue his passion led him to Central Park, where he spent a day immersed in painting. Koerwyn returned to Paris with new resolve to make his passion his profession.
