Artist Grimanesa Amorós Transforms The Peninsula Istanbul with Special Light Commissions
On view through November, the Peruvian talent debuts two new works as part of the hotel brand’s Art in Resonance program
Soaring high over the Bosphorus, the clock tower of The Peninsula Istanbul stands like a geometric beacon, its structured volumes a visual lightening rod against the hotel’s colorful green canopies and the ornate Galata Tower in the distance. But those lured to the culturally rich city during Contemporary Istanbul were met with a dramatic sight as the familiar landmark glowed from within a tight tangle of cherry-red light.
The installation was part of a special commission entitled “A Wave of Time” by Peruvian artist Grimanesa Amorós, whose dynamic light sculptures have transformed sites and structures across the globe.
On the exterior, Passage, a new work by the artist, was specially commissioned for the property. Here, Amorós drew color inspiration from the flag of Turkey and used illumination to spotlight the history of the building, once a ferry terminal, weaving the neon threads inside and out, like travelers passing through. Within the hotel lobby, a second commission, Maritime, nods to the city’s nautical past with a gleaming form that evokes the shape of a ship.
“Grimanesa Amorós was a natural fit for The Peninsula Istanbul,” says Jonathan Crook, managing director at The Peninsula Istanbul. “Her ability to fuse light, architecture, and emotion made her uniquely suited to respond to the city’s layered history and dynamic energy.”
“It has been wonderful to have The Peninsula team’s support to create my vision,” says Amorós. “I found the maritime heritage of the city and the Bosphorus to be deeply inspiring, and I am sure it will touch all visitors who view the installations.”
These two dynamic activations are just the latest in The Peninsula’s Art in Resonance program, an ongoing collaboration with artists that enliven hotel properties around the globe with site-specific works. (A decade ago, Amorós created the breast-cancer awareness artwork Pink Lotus for The Peninsula’s New York hotel, while other past Art in Resonance talents include Janet Echelman, Phoebe Hui, and Lachlan Turczan.)
“The Peninsula has long been a passionate advocate for the arts,” says Carson Glover, senior vice president, brand marketing and communications at The Peninsula Hotels. “Prior to launching our Art in Resonance program in 2019, we engaged with artists through residencies, curated exhibitions, and community programming that reflected the rich cultural diversity of the destinations we call home. Building on this foundation, Art in Resonance offers a dedicated platform to support both local and international emerging and mid-career artists, showcasing their work in immersive and unexpected settings. This evolving dialogue between our hotels and the cultural voices around them brings art closer to our guests and our communities, creating authentic connections beyond traditional gallery walls.”
Working with a distinguished panel of curators—including Dr. Xiaoxin Li, curator in the Asia department of London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, and renowned art advisers Dr Alia Al-Senussi and Bettina Prentice—the hotel connects with esteemed talents to create unique pieces that “embody the cultural identity of their home cities as well as the wider global arts landscape,” says Glover. “Our aim is to share their work with broader audiences and inspire richer cultural exchange. By championing emerging and mid-career talent, The Peninsula builds strong connections between artists, guests, and local communities, encouraging deeper engagement with each exhibition and interactive experience.”
More than just an Instagram moment or fleeting event, these dynamic joint efforts demonstrate The Peninsula’s concentrated dedication to cultural enrichment. “As a brand with a long-standing presence in some of the world’s most dynamic cities, we are committed to preserving and promoting the artistic heritage and contemporary voices of each destination we call home,” says Glover. “These immersive displays turn public spaces into cultural encounters, creating opportunities for guests to connect more deeply with the local artistic narrative and spirit of place. By incorporating art throughout our global properties, The Peninsula honors each location’s identity, supports living artists, and enriches the international arts dialogue, ultimately enhancing the overall guest journey.”