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To enjoy the Chromadelic exhibition in style, BAR 45 for a Pink Diamond cocktail, designed by our bar team in honour of Nat Bowen’s exceptional creativity.
Art and culture
Nat Bowen’s artistic Chromadelic creations
July 19, 2021
As one of the UK’s leading abstract resin artists, we’re delighted to showcase Nat Bowen’s bold Chromadelic collection for our latest exhibition at 45 Park Lane.
A celebration of colour
We’re bringing some joyful colour and vitality to 45 Park Lane with our latest exhibition, which is on show throughout the lobby and in our popular BAR 45 . Well known for her vibrant, multi-layered resin pieces, Nat Bowen’s Chromadelic exhibition features large-scale works alongside her smaller trademarked Fragments.
About the artist
Nat Bowen is one of the UK’s leading abstract resin artists. Coveted amongst some of the world’s most affluent art collectors and celebrities, she gained widespread media interest when her ‘Black Diamond’ artwork went on show at the Saatchi Gallery in 2020. Originally working in the fashion world, first as a designer and then a model, this past year has seen Bowen transform into one of London’s most influential artists, with her recent Saatchi Gallery show catapulting her from an industry newcomer to recognition on a global scale.
The psychology of colour
Bowen uses the study of Chromology, the psychology behind colour, exploring the way the brain processes colour and the emotional impact this has on the body and mind. She explains, “I use colour and form as a way to communicate my emotions nonverbally, although the physical and emotional response of the viewer to the art will vary depending on their own perceptions and personal experiences. I like to look at the relationship between colours and shapes and how the two interact. Different shapes painted in the same colour can convey different feelings so the consideration of form as well as colour is very important in my work.”
The making of a masterpiece
Bowen says, “My work is all about colour and how the luminosity of resin brings colour to life in a way no other medium seems to do. People often ask if my paintings are backlit but they’re not, they’re just so vibrant because of the pigments I use and the way in which the resin catches the light. The paintings adapt according to the changing light throughout the day and the environment they’re in, as though they’re alive and constantly evolving.”
The finest pigments
Bowen uses a mix of synthetic neon pigments, natural pigments made up of elements from the earth, and rare and historic pigments. She has a team of people who source them from around the world, including the purest Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan, 4.5 billion-year-old meteorite dust from Morocco, red-coloured minerals from Icelandic volcanoes, and Han Blue used in ancient and imperial China.
Creative desire
Although she doesn’t have a traditional art background, Bowen was cited by Forbes as a ‘disrupter’. She says, ‘I come from a family of creatives so it’s in my genes. The need to express myself visually is something that has always been within me and I can see how creative expression is essential for my mental wellbeing. I knew that to feel a sense of fulfilment in life I had to do something creative for a living so a few years back I quit my office job to pursue a career as an artist. I feel very fortunate to make a living out of doing something I love.”
Inspired by the past
Her colourful and mesmerising pieces hark back to the flamboyant decade of 1960s, a time when our 45 Park Lane building was the famous London Playboy Club and the most successful casino in the world. When creating the paintings, Bowen looked to the colours and shapes of mid-century design and took inspiration from artists of the Colour Field movement, including Frank Stella, Jospeh Albers and Mark Rothko.
Star of the show
The highlight of the exhibition is the ‘Pink Diamond’, a piece that encapsulates the Art Deco design of the hotel. It was created for the exhibition to mark the hotel’s 10th anniversary. Inspiration for the artwork came from the internally flawless, exceptionally rare ‘Spirit of the Rose’ pink diamond sold at Sotheby’s, which was the largest diamond of its colour to ever appear at auction. Bowen’s ‘Pink Diamond’ contains natural pink rose petal pigment and 1,000 carats of pink diamond dust, set within 69 layers of resin to echo the 69 facets of the ‘Spirit of the Rose’ diamond.
The future’s bright
GQ magazine recently said, “There’s no artist worth investing in more than Nat Bowen.” She’s now looking to do more experiential and interactive exhibitions around the world and says, “I can see myself revisiting my design roots at some point in the future, perhaps collaborating with a fashion designer or a luxury brand that is in line with my aesthetic. I also want to make positive change with the position I’m in by using my art as a way to give back. I’ve teamed up with the Caudwell Children charity and will be donating artwork for an auction at the Butterfly Ball later this year to raise funds for disabled children and their families.
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