Marking its fifth anniversary, Maisons Pariente, the distinguished French hotel collection, has announced the creation of the “Prix Maisons Pariente.” Co-founders Kimberley Cohen and Leslie Kouhana have introduced this prestigious artistic competition aimed at promoting the burgeoning art scene in France. The inaugural edition of this award is set to launch in early September 2024 and is open to students from French art schools, underscoring Maisons Pariente’s commitment to nurturing young talent and supporting their artistic development.
The Jury and Artistic Vision
The “Prix Maisons Pariente” will be adjudicated by an esteemed eight-member jury, featuring notable figures such as architect Charles Zana, Amélie du Chalard, founder of Amélie Maison d’Art gallery, and Michèle Dard, director of Camondo school. Joining them are Julia Rouzaud, founder of Goodmoods, Isabelle Dubern, co-founder of The Invisible Collection, Isis Colombe-Combréas, co-founder of MilK Decoration, and the co-founders of Maisons Pariente, Kimberley Cohen and Leslie Kouhana.
Art has been a passion for the Pariente family across generations, playing a central role in the identity of each Maisons Pariente hotel. The collection comprises four exquisite hotels: Crillon le Brave in Provence, Lou Pinet in Saint-Tropez, Le Coucou in Méribel, and Le Grand Mazarin in Paris. Each location is adorned with a curated selection of artworks, either from the Pariente family’s private collection or chosen by Amélie du Chalard, ensuring that the art harmonises with the hotel’s unique ambiance.
An Artistic Legacy
The Pariente family’s dedication to the arts is evident in their personal selection of artworks and installations that resonate with each hotel’s setting. These establishments are not merely places of luxury but sanctuaries of art where creativity and elegance converge. The eclectic mix of contemporary pieces, bold sculptures, and captivating installations reflect Maisons Pariente’s mission to celebrate and promote art in all its forms. Each hotel fosters a dialogue between different artistic eras and styles, showcasing works from both renowned and emerging artists.
The winners of the “Prix Maisons Pariente” will enjoy a unique opportunity to present their works during a private viewing at a partner gallery in Paris. Their art will also be exhibited for several months in both the gallery and the Maisons Pariente hotels, providing them with significant exposure to an international audience.
Showcasing Art at Maisons Pariente Hotels
At Le Grand Mazarin in Paris, guests can admire the artistic contributions of emerging talents like Jacques Merle, who painted the stunning ceiling of the swimming pool, inspired by the myth of Narcissus. Artist Sophia Pega’s fresco and windows in the Winter Garden reveal a whimsical, dreamlike world. Le Grand Mazarin is a hub for regular art events, temporary exhibitions, and artist meetings, offering guests an ever-changing artistic experience.
Lou Pinet in Saint-Tropez features works from the Pariente family collection, including a vibrant cairn by Ugo Rondinone and bronze spirals by British sculptor Toni Cragg. The hotel’s restaurant, Beefbar, boasts a magnificent fresco by Alexandre Benjamin Navet, inspired by postcards from Saint-Tropez.
In Provence, Crillon le Brave showcases coloorful paintings by Frédéric Heurlier Cimolai and a celebrated piece by Niki de Saint Phalle. The bar is adorned with a magnetic tape artwork by Gregor Hildebrandt, and a canvas painting by Claude Viallat complements works by Donald Judd and Pablo Picasso.
Le Coucou in Méribel, designed by Pierre Yovanovitch, invites guests into a poetic mountain retreat. The lobby features a fresco by Matthieu Cossé, and Ugo Rondinone’s stone sculpture warmly welcomes visitors. Hand-crafted rock engravings by Gaultier Rimbault-Joffard add to the chalet’s enchanting decor.
Maisons Pariente continues to elevate the hospitality experience by integrating art into its luxurious settings, offering guests not just a stay, but an immersive artistic journey. The “Prix Maisons Pariente” is a testament to their unwavering support for the arts and commitment to fostering the next generation of artistic talent in France.
