SUPERFICIAL is proud to present Adeste Fidelis, a pair of sculptures by Portuguese artist Miguel Rodrigues. The commission, developed in collaboration with the team of NOBU Hotel London Shoreditch, will adorn the lobby and restaurant of the hotel during the festive period until 6th January 2025.

But how to say Christmas without saying it? In a brilliant move to step away from traditional festive symbols and repetitive motifs NOBU chose to commission an artist to create a work abstractly evocative of Christmas, to both imbue the space with a festive spirit and to bring more art into the hotel.

The solution: the artist Miguel Rodrigues. Known for his gilded metal sculptures, the artist crafts colossal sheets into works that seem to defy gravity, floating and twisting as if caught in an invisible current. Reminiscent of wrapping paper and joyful gift-unwrapping on Christmas morning, we were drawn to the artist's work believing it to be perfect to bring our vision to life. Rodrigues excitedly accepted the challenge and, with a title inspired by a family Christmas song, he created Adeste Fidelis. The two ORNAMENTUM sculptures are based on the idea of a conic structure wrapped around itself, redolent of a pine tree.

This collaboration between SUPERFICIAL, Miguel Rodrigues and NOBU Hotel London Shoreditch offers a fresh interpretation of the festive season. Christmas decorations can be more than just seasonal adornments, they can also be an extension of a brand's identity and values by creating a unique experience for guests. This collaboration with Miguel Rodrigues demonstrates how art can elevate a space and leave a lasting impression.

About the artist:
Miguel Rodrigues is a Portuguese contemporary artist whose work draws inspiration from the opulence and grandeur of the Baroque period. By reimagining this flamboyant style through a modern lens, Rodrigues creates what he calls Hyperbaroque pieces, blending historical motifs with contemporary sensibilities reflecting on the hyper-realities of modern society, consumerism, and propaganda. The artworks are theatrical in nature and gold, a recurring element in his work, symbolises luxury and power - inviting viewers into a world of fantasy and whimsy.
Miguel studied Sculpture at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Lisbon, quickly gaining recognition and beginning to exhibit throughout Portugal and internationally, with shows in Turkey, Dubai, London, the Netherlands and Belgium. Rodrigues has collaborated with renowned European cultural institutions, including the Catherine Palace in St. Petersburg, the Sakıp Sabancı Museum in Istanbul, and the Mayer van den Bergh Museum in Antwerp. Currently based in Lisbon, Miguel continues to explore and expand the boundaries of his practice, bridging past and present in his powerful creations.