When hotel lobbies morph into art galleries

Hotel lobbies are spaces populated by people with time to kill. 

Waiting to check in; meeting someone, perhaps awaiting a taxi or Uber. 

It makes sense, then, that hotel spaces are increasingly being utilised as art galleries. 

That's the case at Rydges Melbourne, part of "a growing movement toward the integration of site-specific, bespoke art, not simply as decoration, but as a strategic tool to elevate guest experience and differentiate spaces".

The new example is Spectra, a vibrant new installation on display at Rydges Melbourne, created by acclaimed abstract expressionist Rowena Martinich and artist Geoffrey Carran. 

What is described as "their signature fusion of fine art and spatial design" aims to transforms the hotel’s walls, carpets and common areas into a "fully immersive, colour-saturated environment, a bold step in rethinking commercial interiors."

The exhibit tries to blur the lines between fine art and functional design, 

Lee Davey, general manager at Rydges Melbourne, says the partnership aligns with the hotel’s commitment to support local creatives.

"We’re excited to see our lobby come to life with Spectra, and we hope it sparks conversation and connection with our guests. 

"Collaborating with local talents like Rowena Martinich and Geoffrey Carran for Melbourne Design Week lets us support our community in a way that feels true to who we are. We’re proud to be part of what makes this city so special - its events, its festivals, and the creative spirit that brings people together.”

Featuring custom-designed carpets (in partnership with GH Commercial), a 12m wallpapered wall, limited-edition canvas prints, original large-scale paintings, and a vibrant window installation are all showcased.

"Spectra allows us to apply our artistic language to a functional setting in a way that's both immersive and emotionally resonant," says Martinich. 

"Seeing my gestural painting translated into carpet was a dream realised, where colour and movement become part of how people interact with a space."

Spectra is on view until July 20 at Rydges Melbourne. www.martinich.com.au

Not your traditional Indian: a fusion menu to challenge expectations

It is fair to say that recent Melbourne restaurant arrival DesiNental is not your standard Indian eatery.

Banish all thoughts of traditional curries, tandoori chicken and naan bread.

Instead think quirky burgers, Indian fried chicken and chips with spicy dipping sauces.

Owner Gurvinder Sandhu, known to all and sundry as Gary, says his vibe is Bombay, Bollywood and Burgers. 

Which sounds interesting. It's certainly on my list for next time I am in Melbourne

The restaurant on High Street, Prahran, bills itself as Australia's first Indian fried chicken and fusion burger bar. 

The menu highlights include House Masala Fries with twisted dipping sauces like date and tamarind mayonnaise, roasted cumin and plum chutney aioli. 

Or perhaps Soya Chaap with chaat vegan soy meat, grapes, lime, spring onions, tomato and sweet and sour glaze (actually that one sounds dreadful). 

I'd be more tempted by the IFC (Indian Fried Chicken), or burgers with chicken, red meat and vegetarian options. Think a Super Smashed Samosa Burger or the Delhi Tikka Burger with fried chicken, creamy tikka masala sauce, nigella seeds, roasted cumin and plum chutney aioli. 

Kulfi, an Indian take on an iced dessert, comes in flavours including pistachio and cardamom; mango and rose, and raspberry - and part of the proceeds of kulfi sales go towards a rotating selection of charities including earthquake victims in Turkey and cancer research.

DesiNental is open 5pm-10pm Tuesday to Thursday; 5pm-11pm Friday, and 1pm- 4pm and 6pm-11pm on Saturday. 

Check out https://desinental.business.site/