Fairmont Rio opens “Natal Tropical” by Tarsila Schubert, with banana tree sculptures that reimagine Christmas in a Brazilian tropical mood.
A tropical Christmas in Copacabana
Fairmont Rio kicks off its holiday season with “Natal Tropical”, a new exhibition created by artist Tarsila Schubert. From 28 November to 6 January, three tree-sculptures will occupy the 6th-floor lobby. The installation proposes a new way of celebrating the brightest time of the year, infused with Brazilian identity, color and exuberance.
The artwork reinterprets the traditional Christmas tree, replacing the European imagery of snow and pine trees with the vibrancy of a tropical climate. Inspired by the banana, a fruit symbolizing abundance, joy and Brazilian culture, Tarsila blends aesthetics, history and a strong sense of place in a single piece.
Handcrafted bananas, ancestral clay and solar colors
Every element in the installation has been modeled and painted by hand, highlighting the value of craftsmanship. The bananas are made from clay sourced in southern Bahia, shaped from local earth and fired in traditional kilns. This process preserves the ancestral know-how of local ceramicists.
Each banana is then carefully painted in vibrant tones that evoke solar energy and the country’s diversity. The handcrafted base serves as a symbolic homage to the land and manual creation. The result is a dialogue between contemporary art and deep-rooted Brazilian traditions.
By transforming a familiar tropical icon into a Christmas tree, Tarsila invites viewers to rethink what it means to celebrate the holiday season in a land of sun, heat and joy. In this narrative, snow gives way to color, cold to vitality, and tradition is renewed with local authenticity.
Christmas as a statement of Brazilian identity
For the artist, the work goes beyond festive decoration. “More than Christmas décor, this tree is a statement of identity, an invitation to experience the holiday with the warmth and exuberance that only Brazil has,” says Tarsila Schubert. The message places Brazilian culture at the center of the celebration.
According to Netto Moreira, general manager of Accor’s luxury cluster in Rio, art is one of Fairmont Rio’s key pillars. The hotel is committed to showcasing artistic expressions that resonate with Brazilian culture. In this context, Tarsila’s work aligns naturally with the carioca lifestyle.
“Tarsila Schubert’s pieces bring color and movement and match the city’s lifestyle. That is why we brought a Tropical Christmas concept, reflecting the vibrant atmosphere that Rio provides,” he notes. The exhibition reinforces the hotel’s role as a cultural platform within the luxury hospitality scene.
Fairmont Art Gallery: a living gallery inside the hotel
“Natal Tropical” is part of the Fairmont Art Gallery project, which hosts works by different artists throughout the year. The space has already featured well-known names such as Alberto Saraiva, Marcos Cardoso, Ana Coutinho, Isabel Becker, Sérgio Reis Allevato, Esther Bonder and Fabiana Queiroga, among others. The initiative consolidates the hotel as a showcase for Brazilian art.
Recognized as one of Rio’s most charming hotels, Fairmont Rio de Janeiro invites guests and visitors to immerse themselves in the world of art. Whether in common areas or private spaces, they can encounter works by national artists framed by Copacabana Beach. Each piece adds narrative layers to the already iconic view.
Opened in 2019, Fairmont Rio was conceived with references to the city’s golden age and the birth of bossa nova. Architecture and interior design by Patrícia Anastassiadis place art at the heart of the hotel’s concept. The project integrates works that represent the best of Brazilian design.
Brazilian design in tune with the Fairmont signature
Among the permanent pieces are wooden sculptures by Hugo França, created from forest residues. The collection also includes handcrafted ceramics by Flávia Del Pra and clay sculptures from Brumadinho, developed by the Campana Brothers. Together, they reflect commitments to sustainability, memory and innovation.
These works align with the Fairmont brand, which prioritizes sophisticated, place-specific experiences. By bringing Brazilian artists into its spaces, the hotel allows guests to experience Rio beyond its landscapes. Hospitality and art are woven into a single narrative.
Tarsila Schubert: global reach with Brazilian roots
Brazilian-born Tarsila Schubert is a dynamic, influential artist whose work embodies the diversity of her cultural background. Specializing in murals, installations, urban art, canvas and digital design, she creates bold, expressive pieces that challenge norms and celebrate freedom of expression. Her art reflects emotional depth and the mental landscapes of everyday life.
Her portfolio includes collaborations with brands such as Hermès, Adidas, Red Bull and Microsoft. Having lived in the Middle East for over a decade, she has also used her work to question stereotypes about women in the region. Tarsila’s creations have been exhibited in countries including the United States, Brazil, Italy, Portugal, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Cambodia, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan and South Korea.
With “Natal Tropical”, she reconnects with her Brazilian roots by reimagining Christmas symbols through a tropical lens. The collaboration with Fairmont Rio highlights how contemporary art can transform hotel spaces into cultural experiences. It offers guests a chance to live the holidays surrounded by color, sea and Brazilian creativity.
