Step into a world of color, mystery, and artistic storytelling at Le Grand Mazarin’s newest window takeover
Le Marais, long celebrated as the beating heart of Parisian art and culture, is about to get even more vibrant. As part of its coveted ‘Artist in Residence’ programme, Le Grand Mazarin has unveiled its latest collaboration: a bold, immersive window exhibition by contemporary artist-painter Leona Rose. This kaleidoscopic display will enchant passers-by on Rue de la Verrerie from February 3rd through April, offering a spellbinding interpretation of the iconic Russian Matryoshka dolls.
Matryoshka Dolls Reimagined: Layers of Identity and Meaning
Leona Rose’s vision takes these traditionally quaint nesting dolls and transforms them into a metaphor for the many layers that make up human identity. Each Matryoshka, nestled within another, symbolises life’s unfolding stages, hidden selves, and the constant interplay of light and shadow. A deep dive into mythical symbolism, the exhibition features nods to the two-headed serpent—a powerful emblem of duality, inner conflict, and the eternal dance between reason and intuition.
Her brushstrokes tell a story of self-discovery, urging viewers to embrace transformation, align with cosmic energies, and celebrate their multidimensional selves. With vibrant hues and an almost dreamlike aesthetic, the installation is a perfect match for Le Grand Mazarin, a hotel already renowned for its flamboyant and theatrical interiors designed by the inimitable Martin Brudnizki.
Le Grand Mazarin’s ‘Artist in Residence’ Window Takeover: A Portal to Creativity
For those unacquainted with Le Grand Mazarin’s ‘Artist in Residence’ initiative, here’s a quick primer: each quarter, the hotel invites a rising or established artist to take over its windows, turning the space into a living gallery that engages both guests and the public. This project stems from Le Grand Mazarin’s commitment to fostering the Parisian art scene, offering a creative platform for artists to share their vision with the world. The result? A continually evolving showcase of contemporary talent that seamlessly blends with the hotel’s own artistic DNA.
Meet the Artist: Leona Rose
Hailing from the South of France, Leona Rose is an artistic force to be reckoned with. Her work is a riot of colour—flamboyant, spontaneous, and infused with a pop-art sensibility. Known for her large-scale murals and collaborations with major global brands, she effortlessly translates her boundless creativity across multiple mediums. Leona’s inspirations are as eclectic as her style, drawing from Mexican and Berber primitive art, naïve painting, and the works of artistic legends such as Douanier Rousseau, Frida Kahlo, and Matisse. Whether exploring tropical dreamscapes or tapping into the spiritual depths of her travels, her art invites viewers to step into an exuberant, otherworldly realm.
Her past exhibitions include ‘(Hi)story!’ at Slow Gallery in 2018 and ‘Popical Dream – Fragments,’ a solo show at Galerie Joseph in 2021. Now, with her latest showcase at Le Grand Mazarin, she continues to push the boundaries of contemporary storytelling through art.
A Must-See for Art and Design Lovers in Paris
If you find yourself in Paris this season, don’t miss this dazzling installation. Whether you’re a devoted art enthusiast or simply love discovering new creative expressions, Le Grand Mazarin’s latest ‘Artist in Residence’ display promises a feast for the senses. And, if past collaborations are anything to go by, this won’t be just an exhibition—it will be an experience.
So, take a stroll through Le Marais, pause on Rue de la Verrerie, and let yourself be drawn into the hypnotic world of Leona Rose’s Matryoshka dolls. After all, in a city bursting with artistic wonders, this might just be the most enchanting spectacle of them all.
TheHotelTrotter.com is curated by greek journalist and fanatic hotel lover Eleni Stasinopoulou. With the eye of a fashion and lifestyle editor, Eleni hopes to inspire all connoisseurs of traveling, focusing on stylish hotel moments around the globe.
