A Belgian artist has launched a one-year “residency” at a Brussels hotel.
Francois Coorens will have his artwork displayed on walls throughout the Hilton Brussels Grand Place for the coming year.
It is a part of a project organised by the hotel chain which allows artists to gain added “visibility” by showcasing their work.
Coorens has about 43 contemporary artworks of people like Madonna, Lady Gaga, Audrey Hepburn and Billie Eilish displayed until March 2025.
The paintings feature a wide and eclectic range of celebrities and personalities, including the aptly-named Paris Hilton, who regularly stays at the hotel when appearing at the famous annual Tomorrowland festival in Flanders.
The exhibition features a blend of pop culture and Belgian icons like Stromae, Angele, Jacky Ickx, Jean-Claude Van Damme, DVF and JCVD.
Coorens, who runs The Cool Art School in Brussels, told this website he is glad to get the chance to display his works in such a way.
Born in Liege but raised in Brussels, his paintings have been featured in numerous solo exhibitions internationally, including in New York.
He describes the compositions that most resonate with him as ones that convey a “real letting go”.
His striking pieces, many of them now on public display at the hotel, located opposite Brussels’ Gare Central, are created using acrylics, charcoal and pencils on canvas.
Coorens, who has a workshop in St Gilles, said, “It is very important for me to have this opportunity because it gives exposure to international clients.”
He said, “I often like to ‘work’ with top stars like Paris Hilton so it seems fitting that I have now in collaboration with a global iconic hotel group. It is a good match.”
Ellen Deboeck, the hotel’s general manager, told this site this is the latest in a series of such art residencies at the hotel.
“They have proved very popular with guests and visitors who just like to admire the works. In addition to showcasing a particular artist and his or her work they also, of course, provide added colourful decoration for the hotel itself.”
“We are very careful who we work with on this. It is not just about hanging something on the walls which is something anyone can do.”
“For instance, we look for artists who may have some tangible and proven links with their community and that is something that certainly applies to Francois Coorens. That is why we are delighted to have his work here.”
“This is the third year we have been doing this and the feedback has been very positive.”
Visitors to the expo will be able to experience the blend of art and taste at the hotel’s Sentro Restaurant which. as in other areas of the establishment, also features Coorens’ vivid art (together with Chef Vincent Masson’s innovative dishes).They can also enjoy the mix of pop culture and global icons with Masson’s signature dish, ‘Endive and beef cheek parmentier’ while drinks such as the ‘Negroni Mezcal’ cocktail and ‘Spicy Apple’ mocktail can be tasted at the Sentro Bar.
The launch of the residency on March 21 was attended by over 300 people.
