The third iteration of Spring1883 was presented at the Windsor Hotel over the last weekend. Spring is an art fair set in the unusual setting of a grand hotel, where the rooms are filled with artworks from contemporary artists, presented by galleries.

I had a chance to visit on Sunday, as I’m producing a video portrait on artist Peter Atkins, whose Love Letters project was installed in the Prince Albert Suite. The hotel provides a very unique backdrop for the artworks – it’s quite a contrast to see a conceptual modern artwork presented in a tiny antique hotel bathroom. Compared to some of the other artworks, Atkin’s art married the space very well, as it was quite understated and nostalgic, and the Windsor Hotel is definitely nostalgic.

Whilst Spring is definitely unique and interesting, it was difficult to move around the rooms because they were so small. Even with just a few people in a room it became almost impossible to enter, and visiting the event involved quite a bit of manoeuvring through crowds and patiently waiting for a spot to open so you could enter a space – this had a bit of an impact on my ability to peruse the works and my enthusiasm toward the ordeal.

Besides that it was a really cool atmosphere – also for having a sneak peek into what the rooms at the Windsor are like. Especially in the wake of the Melbourne Art fair being cancelled this year, it’s great that events like this are still happening.

Image courtesy of Peter Atkins.