Art: A family story for the owners

The Matthews family, now on a cruise in the Caribbean, arrived in St Jean Bay some twenty years ago and fell in love with the magnificent property culminating in the middle of it: none other than the Eden Rock hotel.

They renovated and enlarged this house while retaining the charm and soul that Remy De Haenen, its builder, had infused into it. Remy was also an art lover and collector, and left many works as an artistic legacy.

Trained artist Jane Matthews created the Eden Rock Gallery to spark the creativity of hotel guests. Very quickly a program was developed with the New York Academy of Arts to welcome young artists in an environment conducive to creation. These young talents also offered painting lessons to the hosts of Eden Rock.

Art has always been honored, highlighted and adored at Eden Rock and different styles and eras coexist in harmony.

Art in the hotel

Over the years, partnerships have multiplied with internationally renowned galleries such as Gagosian and the French gallery owner Emmanuel Perrotin. Art is present at the gallery but not only, the exhibitions often extend beyond the walls to reach public places like the reception or even the beach! Guest rooms are not overlooked since the owners' personal collection, accumulated over the years, is on display there. Eden Rock even offers its customers to change their works according to their personal taste, adjusting the atmosphere of their room, from the Renaissance style to art photography or more contemporary works. Guests have the opportunity to acquire certain pieces of art, allowing the hotel's collection to be alive and constantly evolving. The hotel has also developed special links with certain artists such as Jean-Charles de Castelbaljac. For many years this pop and colorful creator likes to come and relax in St Barths. Lover of the island and the hotel, the one who likes to call himself JCDC has made several exhibitions at the Eden Rock Gallery. In 2013 with Phantoms of Eden Jean-Charles revisited the codes of the Pop Art movement, then in 2014 Art meets fashion recounting the link between artists and fashion. This last exhibition was also marked by the performances of the painter transforming clothes into unique pieces. True touch to all the artist has covered an entire wall of the famous Villa Rockstar and also those of several villas on the island. Many of his works are exhibited in the hotel. The colorful and playful style of JCDC is a real ray of sunshine and its creativity is increased tenfold by the idyllic setting of the island.

About JCDC

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac made his first coat in a blanket, while he was a boarder in a religious institute. The young man attended the School of Fine Arts then the Higher School of Clothing Industries: from then on he would not stop creating a dialogue between his two passions, art and fashion. During the 70s, he made a few striking encounters which confirmed his vocation: Malcom Mac Laren, the Sex Pistols, Andy Warhol… By creating his own brand in 1978, Jean-Charles rose to rank among the most prominent designers. He is in demand everywhere to teach in fashion schools, for exhibitions in New York or London. In 1982, his parade of paintings in dresses painted by Jean-Charles Blais, Robert Combas, Hervé Di Rosa, Ben, Annette Messager, or Keith Haring upset the art system. Only the Yvon Lambert gallery will support the approach, considered dangerous by others who thought that this principle would bring down the coast of artists. Presented at the FIAC in 1983, these dresses anticipated the current and trendy opening of the borders separating contemporary art and life. In a totally different register, in 1997 he signed the chasuble embroidered with a multicolored cross worn by Pope John Paul II during World Youth Day. He now dresses the biggest international stars such as the American singer Lady Gaga or the singer Kanye West. In parallel with his activity as a fashion designer, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac specializes in graphics and design, opening his first concept store in Paris in 1999. Stylist, designer, illustrator, writer, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac is a touch -all of creation.

About oetker collection

Oetker Collection is an exclusive selection of luxury cases around the world. These prestigious hotels, united under the name of "masterpiece hotels" are distinguished by their high quality service at all times. The pearl is a symbol of uniqueness, beauty and quality. The individual pearls gathered to form a unique necklace unite the hotels in the same harmony with nature.

Each property is unique, reflecting the unique European heritage, sharing excellent service, historic architecture and exceptional interior design while paying great attention to detail.

Oetker Collection includes nine luxury hotels:

• L'Apogée Courchevel - a luxurious chalet offering a warm and family atmosphere in the French Alps, with direct access to the largest ski area in the world.
• Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa - an iconic luxury hotel on the edge of the lush Black Forest, Baden-Baden, Germany. The historic Villa Stéphanie offers an innovative spa destination unmatched in Europe.
• Le Bristol Paris - an authentic fully renovated Parisian palace, a benchmark in the French art of living, ideally located on the prestigious rue du Faubourg St-Honoré.
• Château Saint-Martin & Spa - a romantic castle nestled in the heart of Provence with a breathtaking panorama overlooking the Mediterranean coast.
• Eden Rock - a luxurious corner of paradise in Saint-Barthélemy perched on a rocky promontory, bordered by a turquoise sea and white sandy beaches; the art of French living in the heart of the Caribbean.
• Fregate Island Private - a preserved gem overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Seychelles. A natural Eden unique in the world.
• Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc - a legendary establishment at the tip of Cap d'Antibes where the glamor of yesteryear meets the luxury of today.
• The Lanesborough - an authentic gem in the heart of London, imbued with refined English service coupled with a strong historical heritage.
• Palais Namaskar - an oasis of serenity with oriental and contemporary architecture in the heart of the Palmeraie, the exclusive address of Marrakech.

More information : www.oetkercollection.com