Art and design: How this Four Seasons hotel celebrates the creativity of Bengaluru
In this photo essay, we showcase a range of artworks from The Four Seasons Hotel at Embassy One, Bengaluru along with curator insights.
Launched in 2014, PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 1,000 posts, we featured an art festival, cartoon gallery. world music festival, telecom expo, millets fair, climate change expo, wildlife conference, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, and jazz festival.
Art and design can be effectively blended to transform hotels into cultural destinations that resonate with creative communities. Thoughtfully designed interiors, curated exhibitions, and commissioned installations can take experience and storytelling to the next level.
Such an approach can position a hotel as not just a place to stay, but a creative landmark where culture and hospitality intersect. Spaces such as lobbies, lounges, courtyards, lifts, and corridors can be designed as flexible venues that support exhibitions and collaborative projects.
Handcrafted details and regional aesthetics can communicate authenticity while maintaining the elegance expected of a luxury hotel. Prioritising innovation in spatial experience creates truly memorable gathering hubs.
An outstanding example in this regard is the design and art at The Four Seasons Hotel at Embassy One, Bengaluru, home to original works by more than 25 contemporary Indian artists. “Every installation has been thoughtfully selected to tell stories of the city, social change, and the relationship between people and nature,” the hotel’s general manager, Biswajit Chakraborty tells YourStory.
“Rather than serving as decoration, the collection creates meaningful connections with the destination which makes art an integral part of every stay,” he adds.
The architectural narrative of the hotel is crafted by the renowned studio Yabu Pushelberg, and is centered on the concept of the fractured grid. The firm envisioned the hotel as the home of an art collector, curated with an eclectic mix of Indian heritage and international modernism.
The hotel property spans two towers in the heart of Bengaluru, and combines large stone-filled spaces with local and international sensibilities. The artist lineup, some of whose works are featured in this photo essay, includes Saju Kunhan, Thukral & Tagra, GR Iranna, and Sucheta Ghadge.
Manjunath Kamath’s massive ceramic disc installations draw from the philosophy and culture of ancient South Indian dynasties. Sumedh Rajendran uses provocative imagery to discuss development, based on animals and skeletons.
The tonal variations in Prakash Ghadge’s artwork with dots and dashes are simply outstanding. His masterpiece moves viewers into a mode of deep observation, reflection and meditation.
Founded in Toronto, The Four Seasons Hotels have grown into a global luxury icon with more than 120 properties worldwide, as well as private jets and yachts. Their golden rule is to treat others as they themselves would like to be treated.
“What makes the Four Seasons story so remarkable is that, even after more than six decades, its philosophy has remained unchanged. Since 1961, we have believed that true luxury is defined by how people are treated,” Chakraborty affirms.
The Mumbai property opened in 2008, followed by Bengaluru in 2019. “Both are united by the same commitment to intuitive service and genuine care. Here, that philosophy comes to life through our hospitality, art and experiences that celebrate the spirit of Bengaluru while remaining unmistakably Four Seasons,” he adds.
The guest journey in the living gallery has been carefully choreographed. “From the arrival experience to the transition through public spaces into the guest rooms, a gradual shift is created from the pace of the city to a calm and personal sanctuary,” he says.
“Bengaluru has always been a city where innovation and creativity go hand in hand. It is where technology, design, literature, and contemporary art coexist,” Chakraborty explains.
This creates a vibrant urban environment for new ideas and collaboration. “As India's high-tech capital, Bengaluru continues to be a place where tradition and modern thinking intersect,” he adds.
Exhibitions are featured in the aptly-named space titled Art gallery: Curated by CUR8, which also hosts literary workshops. “They bring together writers, artists and thought leaders to exchange ideas on hospitality, literature, culture, and storytelling,” Chakraborty describes.
Beyond art and literature, there are regular culinary pop-ups and immersive dining experiences. “We introduce our guests to different cultures and traditions from around the world,” he says.
“We want every guest to experience Bengaluru through our hotel. The art collection, the dining experiences, the wellness offerings, the cultural programmes, and most importantly, the people they meet all help tell the story of this city,” he adds.
Each month, the hotel’s gallery transforms around a distinct theme, with a dedicated focus on promoting Indian artists. “By curating these changing exhibitions, we ensure that every visit offers guests a fresh and authentic cultural experience,” Chakraborty describes.
Artists whose works have been featured over the past year include Yusuf Arakkal, V Hariraam, SG Vasudev, and CS Krishna Shetty. “We also partnered with MeMeraki for a collaborative showcase of eight Indian art forms, from Pattachitra to Thangka paintings,” he explains.
More recently, CUR8 hosted an exclusive showcase of artist-designer Jeena Raghavan, known for her textured canvases that blend abstraction with magical realism. See our coverage of her earlier works here.
The Vilasa exhibition is on display until the end of July, featuring artists such as Arunava Mandal and Gautam Bansal. Artworks on display include The Brahma Kamals, Cartography of Forgotten Dreams, and Dahaad.
Vietnamese cuisine is featured along with a celebration of Vietnamese contemporary art by Phan Hong Thanh, Duc Viet, Phan Van Thanh, Minh Du, and other artists. “They capture everyday life, nature, spirituality, and cultural heritage, bringing together art and cuisine in a unique cultural experience,” Chakraborty says.
There is also an array of gastronomy, wellness and mixology. For example, the Copitas cocktail bar will host an exclusive takeover by Nouvelle Vague, regarded as one of the world's 50 best bars.
“Ultimately, we want the hotel to be more than a destination for a meal. We want it to be a place where our guests celebrate the creative energy that defines Bengaluru,” Chakraborty signs off.
Now what have you done today to pause in your busy schedule and harness your creative side for a better world?
(All photographs taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at The Four Seasons Hotel at Embassy One, Bengaluru.)