The Cosmic Embrace of Diego Gravinese's 'Ascension' at Faena New York

Extending 27 feet upward and stretching for more than 100 feet around Faena New York’s Cathedral, a metaphoric name for the expansive entrance to the recently opened hotel, Argentinian artist Diego Gravinese’s ASCENSION, A Sephirotic Journey was imagined in collaboration with owner Alan Faena and commissioned by Faena Art. Filled with cosmic symbolism, elements of the spiritual, and a harmonious narrative current, the site-specific mural blends layers of acrylic, oil, and synthetic enamel paint. It’s both a monumental work, and an ambitious introduction to a property defined by art, texture, and hospitality.

The engrossing mural epitomizes Faena’s penchant for worldbuilding throughout his properties. “For us, everything is about storytelling and fantasy and magic, and elevating people’s souls and bringing happiness to them,” the hotelier tells Surface. “Every time that we create one of our spaces, we want to bring—from the moment that you open the door—our magic.” Faena says the Cathedral within each of his properties is the most important room because it establishes the experience that’s set to unfold.

When considering this collaborative work, Faena reflects on the history of New York, as well. “Murals are so important to this city,” he says. “In the ‘30s, with Rockefeller Center, with Diego Rivera, the biggest muralist at that time, it set the tone of the city. We have that same responsibility—to be part of this and take that past and bring it not only to today but to take it into the future.”

ASCENSION, A Sephirotic Journey took two years to complete for Faena and Gravinese, an acclaimed Buenos Aires-based painter who is as skilled at depicting hyperrealism as he is the poetic and mythic. One year was dedicated to the story, the next to bringing it to life through paint. “With my team, we decided, after exploring different possibilities, that Diego was the perfect person to take on this big piece,” Faena says. “The mix between his world and the Faena world, all together, is what makes it so magical.”

To study the work reveals references to Faena’s land in Uruguay and the rose that, for the hotel owner, symbolizes his continued fight for creative freedom. There are mushrooms, crystals, and so much more. “They, together, create a path, a portal to the Faena life,” he says. “Faena New York is also a stage. Everything is a stage for us to offer our heart to the people of the city.”

Art plays a broader role across Faena New York. Faena sees no difference between art pieces, design elements, and the hospitality experience. “I think that everything is an artistic movement,” he says. “We create a set where the art and color and lighting and music and scent, and the chandeliers, which in this case are from Alberto Garutti, all work together. We don’t hang a painting because it’s a painting. We only collaborate with artists to create a totality in the space. They become part of the space. Art is not a decoration. It is part of who we are and what we want to offer to the people that come to our places.”