South Place Hotel, a stylish urban retreat in the heart of East London, has unveiled its first art exhibition of 2022 with an iconic series of portraits by London-based contemporary artist, Laurence M White. having launched on February 17th, the exhibition comprises eight portraits representing some of the most influential women in history – from HRH Queen Elizabeth II to activist Rosa Parks, and Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo. The installation will transform the hotel’s exhibition space into a charming portrait gallery, inviting guests to cherish the powerful females who contributed, and still continue contribute, to shaping our cultural world.
“Iconic Women Through History” by Laurence M White
As an artist with an entrepreneurial mindset, Laurence M White is intrigued by the leaders, artists, athletes, and influential people of our time, with his work including impossibly detailed black and white portraits of individuals such as Michael Jordan, Adele, and Lewis Hamilton. His unique talent lies in the ability to convey his subject’s personality through a sophisticated style of painting that often includes a ‘splattered’ paint flick finish, giving dimension and texture to the piece.
Boasting a background in TV production and having established a strong online community that shares his passion for art, Laurence is well versed in using social media platforms to promote his work and often shares exclusives and ‘behind the scenes’ of his masterpieces on Instagram. Over the years, Laurence has built a dedicated WhatsApp community where he talks about contemporary art, and he runs one of the biggest art rooms on the audio-based social media app Clubhouse, in conversation with some of the most influential figures in the art world.
“As a social media artist, I am constantly reacting to the conversations and hot topics amongst my audience”, says Laurence M White. “I became aware that I wasn’t painting enough women, so I wanted to use this residency to champion women and highlight icons across the generations. After choosing my personal favourites, I put the list out to my followers, who decided on the final eight names and thus began the creative process.”
Limited-Edition Drinks and A New Menu
The art-inspired experience continues downstairs at South Place Hotel’s lively 3 Bar, where guests can sip on limited edition themed cocktails inspired by Laurence M White’s portraits. The refreshing Her Majesty’s D&G pays homage to the monarch’s favourite cocktail, the Dubonnet & Gin, while Frida’s Dream – a tequila-based concoction with zesty lime juice and grapefruit-flavoured soda, served on the rocks in a salt-rimmed glass – will transport guests to the bustling streets of Mexico City. Guests are also invited to dine at the hotel’s Chop House restaurant to try a tempting menu created by newly appointed Head Chef, Jake O’Riley. Designed according to a ‘nose-to-tail’ culinary philosophy – a food-waste reducing approach to cooking where every part of the animal is used – the menu features fine meats, the best seasonal British vegetables, and smoked delicacies from the new JOSPER charcoal oven.
Conveniently located between Liverpool Street and Moorgate stations, South Place Hotel is famous for its eclectic design, remarkable art collection peppered across each of the stylish bedrooms and communal spaces, and rotating art installation that has seen partnerships with artists such as Pure Evil, Sophie TEA and Sara Pope. The display by Laurence M White is the hotel’s first art partnership of 2022 and will be followed by a series of art installations that will change the hotel’s look every three months, in line with its mission to be East London’s prominent lifestyle hotspot, championing local and emerging talents.
An overnight stay starts at £245 per room, visit southplacehotel.com for more information and to book.
Images courtesy South Place Hotel
