W Panama is proud to present Art Culture, an initiative through which it intends to serve as a space to exalt the talent of local artists, while bringing its guests and visitors closer to a collection of unprecedented pieces and experiences around them.
Art is a relevant aspect of the W Hotels brand, which connects travelers to destinations through design elements that embrace local culture in each property. In the case of W Panama, the hotel highlights different characteristic elements of Panamanian culture through its areas.
Art Culture will encompass an art exhibition in the hotel lobby and complementary experiences ranging from a themed brunch to a workshop. In this first edition, the hotel is pleased to present the talented Mario Saldaña, a plastic artist who through his works represents Panamanian customs in a fantasy world.
“We are very excited to launch Art Culture, a W Panama initiative that will be in force during 2023 to highlight Panamanian art. We love the works of Mario Saldaña for his game of color and contrast between the traditional and modern touches, and this is why we feel honored to be able to launch Art Culture hand in hand with him. It is wonderful to be able to get together with an artist like Mario Saldaña whose work focuses on the destination and the Panamanian culture, aspects that the hotel also highlights through its design,” said Carlos Rodríguez, general manager of W Panama.
Mario Saldaña's exhibition at W Panama will include more than 30 works identified by the artist as "Panama costumbrista, en colores"; which will be available in the lobby until the first week of May. Likewise, the public will have the possibility of acquiring the artist's merchandise: from paintings and handkerchiefs to glasses, among other items.
"I love the abstract and contemporary art, I am a participant and lover of the folkloric traditions of my country and I have led Panamanian customs to a style where the lines and shapes between molas and color have a permanent stamp," said Mario Saldaña, artist Panamanian.
Additionally, there will be two activities open to the public. April 16 will be the W Brunch ft. Art Culture Pop-Up, where you can enjoy a variety of local and international gastronomy, cocktails and music by Miroslava Morales. Also, this day Mario Saldaña will be painting live. The brunch will run from 12 PM to 3 PM and will cost $42 per person plus tax.
On April 27 at 4 PM in the hotel lobby there will be a painting workshop given by Saldaña. This activity is free of charge, but places are limited, so those interested in participating must book. During the workshop, there will be cocktail, wine and food promotions.
Those interested in participating in the above activities should make a reservation by calling 507 6257 9123.
The interest in exploring the culture and the destination (73%) is one of the most desired activities by travelers for this year, according to a survey by Marriott International on travel trends in Latin America and the Caribbean; and art is one of the ways to enter a culture.
About the artist
Mario Saldaña is a plastic artist with more than 10 years of experience. Originally from Chiriquí, his works are characterized by showing Panamanian customs in a fantasy world. He has had more than 18 solo shows in his native Panama, as well as in Peru, Argentina and Turkey. Currently, he counts more than 450 of his works around the world.