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Since 2012, Park Hotel Tokyo’s “Artist in Hotel” project has invited artists to transform guest rooms into unique “Artist Rooms,” offering guests an immersive art experience. The 9th room to be completed was “Geisha Goldfish,” created by the Japanese artist Aki Narita. In this interview, we spoke with Narita about behind-the-scenes stories and her thoughts at the time of creation, now 10 years after the room’s completion.
The idea started when a gallery suggested, “Why don’t you try painting goldfish?” Both geisha and goldfish are symbols of good luck, and Narita decided to combine them in a playful way. She says, “At night, it feels like you are inside a goldfish bowl.” The room is filled with a special atmosphere that lets guests enjoy an extraordinary escape.Narita also wanted guests to feel “the fun of time travel in the middle of the city.” Because a hotel is a place to enjoy an extraordinary escape, she worked hard to make the experience even more exciting. She says, “I think the Artist Room is the artist’s way of offering Omotenashi – a uniquely Japanese form of heartfelt hospitality.” which left a strong impression.
It took about 7 months to finish the room. Narita says, “I painted the ceiling without any sketch, and the wallpaper soaked up the paint, so I had to paint the white parts 4 or 5 times.” The painting above the headboard was inspired by beautiful Japanese paintings from the Taisho era(1912–1926). The bold use of red makes this room stand out among all the Artist Rooms.
Looking around the room, Narita says, “I really worked hard.
She explains that by painting without a sketch and thinking as she went, she was able to make the room feel unified.
The goldfish painted all over the room swim freely, giving guests a mysterious floating feeling. This unique world still fascinates people who stay in the room.
In the middle of the city, the “Geisha Goldfish” room lets you feel as if you have entered an extraordinary escape. Why not visit and enjoy a special stay?
ーDiscover more about the world of Geisha Goldfish
