Central La Petite Maison | LPM joins hands with Pearl Lam Galleries to present 'Blooming Shields' exhibition during Art Basel Hong Kong

Description

The popular French restaurant La Petite Maison (LPM), exuding the charm of the Cote d'Azur, will join forces with the renowned Pearl Lam Galleries during Art Basel Hong Kong to present the 'Blooming Shields' exhibition, featuring the captivating works of Nigerian artist Ayobola Kekere-Eku. The month-long exhibition will be held at LPM in H Queen's, Central, from March 17 to April 16, celebrating the joy of creativity through cuisine, art, and culture.

Kekere-Ekun's solo exhibition showcases her signature mixed-media quilling techniques and vibrant, bold use of color. Titled 'Blooming Shields', her works depict nature as a guardian, transforming fragile imagery of flowers and butterflies into symbolic shields of protection. The pieces are from her series, 'The Real Housewives of Old Oyo', engaging in a vivid dialogue on gender, power, and identity within traditional myths and contemporary Nigerian society.

In response to the exhibition, LPM has crafted special limited-time cocktail and dessert pairings, inspired by the artworks, offering a dual sensory experience. The Rum Baba, Strawberry and Coconut Cream (HK$138) dessert is a visually stunning presentation of the exhibition's vibrant atmosphere, adorned with a lush strawberry sauce and light cream, echoing the African hues in Kekere-Ekun's works, and embodying LPM's pursuit of 'joie de vivre' - the art of living with joy.

Additionally, LPM has created a floral-themed cocktail named Jardin de Fleurs (HK$128), inspired by the vibrant artworks displayed within the restaurant. This cocktail blends rose wine, elderflower liqueur, Saint Germain liqueur, Champagne sweet wine, and vodka, with the addition of fragrant peach and jasmine soda, resulting in a complex and layered drink. The final touch is a garnish of bergamot and raspberry mousse foam, creating a subtle fizziness on the palate, where floral and fruity aromas intertwine. This cocktail is a delightful response to the exhibition's exploration of gender and natural themes.

"LPM's brand philosophy is deeply rooted in our passion for art and creativity. Our first collaboration with Pearl Lam Galleries at Art Basel Miami Beach received an enthusiastic response, and now we are thrilled to bring a similarly exceptional experience to Hong Kong," said Nicolas Budzynski, CEO of LPM. "This partnership allows us to showcase the creativity in our cuisine and beverages, integrating art and culture into the dining experience, while reflecting the artistic vibrancy of Hong Kong during Art Basel."

Pearl Lam, founder of Pearl Lam Galleries, commented, "The fusion of art and dining highlights their essential roles in creating memorable experiences and fostering deeper cultural exchanges. We are grateful to La Petite Maison (LPM) for becoming a bridge in promoting artistic endeavors. With the 'Blooming Shields' exhibition during Art Basel in Hong Kong, Pearl Lam Galleries, with its heart in Hong Kong, joins LPM in expressing our shared love for art, contributing to the flourishing arts and culture ecosystem in the city."

LPM infuses its passion for art and culture into the dining experience, from the Belle Époque-inspired artistic decor to the Recipes For Our Friends cocktail menu, a tribute to the artist, writer, and trendsetter Jean Cocteau. Every detail embodies a unique artistic spirit, stimulating sensory resonance. LPM's creative cuisine showcases top-quality Mediterranean ingredients with distinct personalities, and through a commitment to quality and consistency, captures the essence of the French Cote d'Azur, embodying the French 'joie de vivre'.

Cover Image Information

Left 1: AYOBOLA KEKERE-EKUN b. 1993 Ajah in Disguise IV, 2024 Mixed Media (paper and acrylic on canvas) 60 x 60 cm (23 5/8 x 23 5/8 in.)

Left 3: AYOBOLA KEKERE-EKUN b. 1993 Ajah in Disguise IX, 2025 Mixed Media (paper and acrylic on canvas)

Image 1: AYOBOLA KEKERE-EKUN b. 1993 Ajah in Disguise II, 2024 Mixed Media (paper and acrylic on canvas)

Image 2: AYOBOLA KEKERE-EKUN b. 1993 Ajah in Disguise X, 2025 Mixed Media (paper and acrylic on canvas)

Image 3: AYOBOLA KEKERE-EKUN b. 1993 Butterfly Field III, 2025 Mixed Media (paper, fabric, and acrylic on canvas)

Image 4: AYOBOLA KEKERE-EKUN b. 1993 Butterfly Field IV, 2025 Mixed Media (paper, fabric, and acrylic on canvas)