Dorothy Pham
Biography:
Dorothy Pham is a Sydney-based designer who strives to blur the lines between art and interior design. Art is so ambiguously interpreted, and the notion ‘What is Art?’ is so often questioned; so, why can’t art and interiors be the same and interchangeable? Dorothy’s design practice also incorporates elements of her Vietnamese culture, as she aims to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also create a foundation for fostering fulfilling experiences and cherished memories.
Design Statement:
Rabbit’s Refuge is a multi-functional warren-of-an-art-space that inspires and celebrates art through its interior design. Set in the iconic former Kings Hotel on Pitt Street Mall, this space will evoke reaction from its street-side installation spaces, inspiring gallery, captivating performance space and roof-top bar. The client, Judith Neilson, is the owner of Sydney’s White Rabbit Gallery, a devoted humanitarian and patron of the arts and architecture. Therefore, Rabbit’s Refuge will showcase Southeast Asian artists, with profits going towards the International Rescue Committee. The site’s original retail windows have been re-purposed to art installation spaces where passers-by can see the unique displays, whether their visit be intentional or otherwise. The gallery on the first floor aims to create a space of contemplation and reflection for the changing exhibitions hosted there, flooded with natural light from the heritage windows. As the customer continues down this rabbit hole and ascends to the second and third floors, they are met with an art-deco-inspired jazz bar, offering a 1920s speak-easy atmosphere with Southeast Asian influences. Finally, the customer emerges to the art-filled, roof-top space, where the eye-catching wall murals and luxe materiality backdrop their view of the city.
