‘Selene’, Hew Locke’s First Permanent Work in London Adding Moon and Magic to Soho

Hales Gallery announce the unveiling of Selene, Hew Locke’s first permanent work in London that will stand proud on the façade of the new Nadler Hotel, Carlisle Street, in London’s Soho.

Selene by Hew Locke

Selene is a fully rounded over-lifesize bronze figure, and is named after the Greek goddess of the moon and of magic.

“I was commissioned by The Nadler Hotel to create a figurative sculpture representing Sleep. I wanted to make a classical statue with a contemporary twist, partly inspired by Art Nouveau designs of dreamy women, but with a feel of intensity and ritual.  Selene is an powerful goddess reworked for today’s London – a dream-weaver and magical protector.”

“I have shown Selene floating at the centre of a galaxy of stars, ceremonially offering garlands representing magical potions associated with sleep and love.  Referencing Soho’s Theatreland, I have included belladonna (a plant that has been suggested as creating Juliet’s deep-sleep in Romeo and Juliet) and pansies (used as a love potion in A Midsummer Night’s Dream).  Two different night-blooming flowers, both known as ‘Queen of the Night’  – one a type of cactus, the other a type of jasmine – are joined by winged masks of the Greek personification of sleep, Hypnos” says Hew Locke

The Nadler Soho will be open to the public at the end of May. The hotel, which is located in a landmark building in the heart of Soho, will become the flagship of the newly rebranded Nadler Hotels group.

Hew Locke has exhibited extensively around the world. For Those in Peril on the Sea (an installation much-praised at the Folkestone Trienial) has been purchased by the soon-to-be opened Peréz Art Museum Miami and will be installed for its launch in December 2013. He has been commissioned to create a glass sculpture for White Light/White Heat, a collateral event at the 55th Venice Biennale and in 2010 the work Sikandar was short-listed for the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, London.

The Nadler Soho – 78 room affordable luxury boutique at
Address:
10 Carlisle Street
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