lockdown art


four artists, one exhibit
With the help of creative agency MOAM, we commissioned four artists to stay at one of our Dutch hotels (Rotterdam, Schiphol, Amstel and South) and create art for our art wall at citizenM Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Scroll down to meet the artists.
Josefien Hoekstra

The multi-talented Josefien Hoekstra is a photographer, stylist and make-up artist with a unique style. Her work empowers people – letting them forget the insecurities of their daily life by emphasising the parts people are proud of. Amen to that.
see the wall in personRuben Topia

Ruben Topia is an illustrator. He cleverly creates new worlds by melting together magical elements of various cultures. For a personal touch, he likes to integrate his own memories into each piece. Look closely at Topia's work and lose yourself in the incredible detail.
see the wall in personMarlou Fernanda

A bubbly self-taught visual artist, Fernanda navigates colour fearlessly. She works from a very personal point of view with a central character who is visually reminiscent of herself. Not only does Fernanda paint, she creates live performances too.
see the wall in personMeryem Slimani

Slimani sees herself as a storyteller. Her work showcases Middle Eastern North African women from a different perspective and highlights cross-cultural style. She hopes to inspire all women to live their lives unapologetically regardless of what society deems acceptable.
see the wall in person
a first for citizenM
We challenged Master Photography students (from ECAL University of Art and Design Lausanne) to create art about time. The collaboration started in Jan 2020, but while the students drafted their first sketches the pandemic hit and forced them to work from home. The result? Lockdown art curated from homemade still-life images. Now, three of the chosen artists showcase their work as facade banners or as in-room pieces at citizenM Geneva hotel. See what they came up with below.
meet the artists

meet the artists

meet the artists


Manqin Zhang
'Urbanophile' is inspired by Geneva's thriving nightlife and luxury, designer boutiques throughout the cobblestone city.
Natalie Maximova
'Metamorphosis' depicts the blurring between tech and nature, creating new ecosystems. Maximova says: "When I think of time, I think of technology – its evolution and how it's interconnected with nature."
Sara Bastai
'Bliss' references forgotten time like the aftermath of an aperitif. The cherries symbolise the change of season over time and Switzerland's many cherry trees.

Kimou Meyer
Heard of Kimou Meyer (aka Grotesk)? If you haven't, you'll be happy you have now. The Geneva-born artist is world-acclaimed for creating pieces inspired by his Swiss minimal-graphic roots and maximalism cultures like skateboarding and hip hop. Now, his hand-painted work adorns citizenM Geneva's canteenM wall and ceiling. The collection is called 'Le Dernier Tram', referring to missing the last tram home after late-night fun with friends. Come enjoy the art for yourself – it's a must-see!