In 1962, Pedro Friedeberg produced the classic Hand-Chair, for which he is most known. A hotelier owns and preserves a brand-new leisure area that is covered in Friedeberg’s artwork. Friedeberg never tried to design a hotel, but a hotelier in San Miguel de Allende purchased and kept a building where he produced various wall decorations.
This past fall, La Valise San Miguel de Allende opened. Hotelier Yves Naman told Travel + Leisure magazine, “When the estate was first offered to us, what impressed us most was the surrealist art imbedded in many of the walls by Pedro Friedeberg.” “We were blown away by the size of the artwork and the property’s originality, and we knew this place was the right one for La Valise.”
The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the city, making it an excellent choice for those who want to experience the local way of life. It has long been a favourite among foreigners, beatniks, and artists, and many renowned people, including Frida Kahlo, have called it home. The architecture is incredibly lovely, and the embossments on the walls give the space a very soothing feel. A courtyard with a dragon design that looks out over a pool and stairway is also present. Each of the intricate motifs on the walls represents a distinct region of Mexico.
Famous surrealist artist Friedeberg resided in Mexico City. He is regarded as one of the top artists in the nation and is most recognised for his abstract paintings. Friedeberg typically paints differently from the other artists in his immediate vicinity, wanting to experiment with various styles. The poet Edward James, with whom he is acquainted, similarly values the freedom of speech. Friedeberg despises contemporary art movements that emphasise utility and practicality because he believes that art is dead. He is frequently open about his beliefs and believes that the best art is pointless and whimsical.
The owner, Naman, and Roberto Ayala, who is described as the manager of La Valise hotels, all participated in the curating of the artwork, pottery, and sculpture in the gallery-like hotel in San Miguel de Allende. Ayala is a resident of the substantial expat community in San Miguel de Allende, which is located 170 miles northwest of the city. Writer Beverly Donofrio, photographer Tim Street-Porter, and their interior designer spouse Annie Kelly, together with Los Angeles Times art critic Christopher Knight and David Cruz of the art and design gallery Blackman Cruz, are currently part-time residents of the town.
