Fremantle's P&O Hotel has stood vacant for decades, its grandeur and history slowly being consumed by time. Yet, this former sailors' bar and hotel is set to be reborn as a hub of artistic expression. The Fremantle Biennale brings together over 40 musicians, poets, painters, and multimedia artists who have transformed the upper floor into an immersive maze of performances and installations.
The brainchild of local artist Danielle Caruana AKA Mama Kin and Tom Mùller, Room Service is a bold experiment in reclaiming abandoned spaces. For three weeks, the hotel's upstairs rooms were home to a diverse group of creatives, each with their own unique vision for the space. From Iain Grandage and Mel Robinson's haunting cello duet set against the backdrop of an oceanic sound installation, to Whadjuk Balladong and Zali Morgan's powerful exploration of colonial history, every piece was a poignant reflection on Fremantle's complex past.
Artist Guy Louden turned his room into a playable climate dystopia, with a jetski game that reflects the "split vision" of our society – knowing catastrophe is coming while still pursuing growth. Meanwhile, architect Nic Brunsdon created a meditative pause space, stripping back to imagine what stood here long before the hotel – the trees, soil and coastal ecology that once shaped this part of Fremantle.
As visitors explore Room Service, they are invited to enter spaces that are both intimate and vast, where art and performance come together in unexpected ways. The installation is a testament to the power of creative vision and collaboration, highlighting the potential for empty spaces to become vibrant hubs of cultural expression.
Room Service runs from 29-30 November at P&O hotel, 25 High Street, Fremantle, as part of the Fremantle Biennale.
The brainchild of local artist Danielle Caruana AKA Mama Kin and Tom Mùller, Room Service is a bold experiment in reclaiming abandoned spaces. For three weeks, the hotel's upstairs rooms were home to a diverse group of creatives, each with their own unique vision for the space. From Iain Grandage and Mel Robinson's haunting cello duet set against the backdrop of an oceanic sound installation, to Whadjuk Balladong and Zali Morgan's powerful exploration of colonial history, every piece was a poignant reflection on Fremantle's complex past.
Artist Guy Louden turned his room into a playable climate dystopia, with a jetski game that reflects the "split vision" of our society – knowing catastrophe is coming while still pursuing growth. Meanwhile, architect Nic Brunsdon created a meditative pause space, stripping back to imagine what stood here long before the hotel – the trees, soil and coastal ecology that once shaped this part of Fremantle.
As visitors explore Room Service, they are invited to enter spaces that are both intimate and vast, where art and performance come together in unexpected ways. The installation is a testament to the power of creative vision and collaboration, highlighting the potential for empty spaces to become vibrant hubs of cultural expression.
Room Service runs from 29-30 November at P&O hotel, 25 High Street, Fremantle, as part of the Fremantle Biennale.
I'm literally buzzing about this art installation in Fremantle - Room Service is giving me ALL THE FEELS 
The way they transformed that abandoned hotel into an immersive maze of performances and installations is pure magic 
It's like walking through a dream, with each artist bringing their own unique vision to the table 
I'm loving how it highlights the complex history of Fremantle - all these powerful pieces about colonialism and climate change are so thought-provoking 
And can we talk about the playable climate dystopia game? 
Guy Louden's room is literally my go-to spot right now 
The collaboration between creatives is what makes this whole thing so special, it's like a big ol' hug for art lovers everywhere 
It's like a whole new level of art! I'm definitely adding this to my Fremantle Biennale checklist 
Can't wait to check it out in person and experience the magic for myself 
cant wait to check it out on 29-30 nov!!! 
Room Service is more than just a art exhibition, it's a social experiment in reclaiming abandoned spaces and turning them into vibrant hubs of cultural expression. Can't wait to check it out! 
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. i love how they got all these diff artists to share their vision & creations, its like a big ol' art party 
. also, whadjuk balladong & zali morgan r killin it w/ their colonial history piece 
. I mean, you gotta check out Guy Louden's climate dystopia - it's like, whoa 