Personal touches to Aiden Darling Harbour by renowned fine artist

By Lucinda Garbut-Young

Multi-award winning and Archibald Prize finalist Jessica Le Clerc is no stranger to the new hotel Aiden Darling Harbour. She’s hand painted Australian botanicals across more than 70 rooms, along with an intricate, 25-metre-high hidden mural, seen out the windows of select private rooms. 

As the hotel’s artist in residence, Jess has used a variety of techniques, including a traditional pen and wash style, to create paintings that honour Sydney’s historical flora. 

“The [hotel] wanted every room to feel like it was touched by a personal concept, rather than a machine. There’s no wallpaper… every room has a painting in it.” 

THE FINAL BRUSH STROKES

For her final piece with the hotel, Jess is transforming a wall in the ground floor lobby across this week, using her well known impressionist realism style. The mural of Sydney at dusk is being painted with Windsor & Newton oil paints like the work of 1800s Romantic artist William Turner. 

Jess’ delicate strokes complement the light that enters the lobby at different times of day, accounting for the surrounding environment. 

And Jess explained her work at Aiden Darling Harbour pays homage to old masters not just in style, but in process. 

“The old masters used to paint things based on relationships…They would have painted a Church because they were friends with the Decon [for example]… That’s how this has all happened,” Jess said, in reference to her continued work with the hotel. 

With A.

Sydney-siders can witness the mesmerising brushstrokes of Jess’ work right through until April 16. Take a seat at the Wayfarer’s Bar & Cafe and order a coffee or cocktail overlooking the artwork as it’s painted. 

 Until Apr 16. Aiden Darling Harbour, 45 Murray Street, Pyrmont. FREE. Info: www.aidendarlingharbour.com.au