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Paladar is more than just a restaurant – we are a showcase for the best of Latin America and as part of this mission we feature Latin American art throughout the restaurant.
In addition to our permanent artworks (see below) we have changing exhibitions of original art / photography on the walls of the main dining room – most of which is for sale. The works must either be by Latin Americans or works inspired by or representing Latin America.
Since opening in 2017 we have featured works by artists from Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, Spain (representing the Dominican Republic) Mexico and Chile. Just before the Pandemic, we featured a British photographer’s pictures of life and people in Cuba and subsequently a Cuban artist’s idiosyncratic take on the English countryside.
Title: A dream, a grain of sand, and a new reality.
Artist: Miryam Gonzalez-Rodriguez (MiryaM)
We are delighted to welcome back Colombian artist, Mir yaM, for a second solo exhibition of acrylic on canvas works in her distinctive futuristic style.
“I take sand as one of the key elements in the technological fabrication of the contemporary world. Silica sand is the raw material for silicon wafers – and Silicon Valley takes its name from this. I wonder how this place will be viewed in the future: as something positive or quite the opposite? We don’t know now. What I do know is that everything human being’s dreams can become a reality.”
Title: The Sound of Her
Artist: Gisella Stapleton
Paladar has three permanent artworks on display – all of which were specially commissioned by the restaurant.
The rear wall of the main dining room features a mural by Malaysian chef and artist, Adu Amran. This whimsical and surreal piece is his interpretation of the natural beauty of Latin America, featuring plants, animals (some in unexpected places!) and even, perhaps, a smoking volcano.
Several guests have noted influence from Frida Kahlo – an artist that Adu very much admires. The mural has been in situ since we opened in October 2017 and lends a colourful backdrop and an endless talking point!
The courtyard garden houses a four-piece installation on the south wall by London-based Chilean artist and sculptor, Tere Chad. This contemporary interpretation of ‘Nuestra Señora de la Caridad del Cobre’, (Our Lady of Charity) – the patron saint of Cuba – depicts the Cuban legend of “Los tres Juanes”.
The piece takes the form of a syncretic icon, on a turntable, representing on one side the Christian Virgin Mary and on the other, Òşhun, an orisha (goddess) from the African Yoruba culture. As is common in Afro-Latin “Santeria” culture (notably found in Cuba and Brazil), Christian saints and Yoruba orishas are syncretised, with particular saints becoming linked with particular orishas.
The sculpture was unveiled on Thursday 8th September 2022 – the Cuban feast day for Our Lady of Charity and Òşhun – in the presence of the Chilean Ambassador, Susana Herrera-Quezada.
Mother Nature is a three-dimensional, mixed-media artwork by Colombian artist, Rafael Rosas-Marin, which was first displayed as the lead picture in his solo exhibition “Mujeres” held in Paladar in early 2023. This artwork was purchased by the restaurant as the inspiration for a commission for Rafael to create our Amazon Lounge.
The three-dimensional forest effect (incorporating both real plants and artificial leaves) envelopes the room while the low-lighting creates a warm romantic feel. Fauna including monkeys, birds, fish and a black panther along with indigenous faces from the Huaorani tribe lurk amongst the foliage.
This exotic cozy den is a multi-function space, with its own en-suite loos, and can be used as a private room for parties of up to 20 guests, with standing space for pre-dinner drinks and seating on two parallel tables of 10.
When not booked for private parties, the room is available as an extension of the general dining area. The Amazon Lounge can also be used for small business gatherings, private receptions, wine tastings and our “More than Just a Meal” experiences.