A surreal garden scene with adrien broom aesthetics, featuring people and animal sculptures in an imaginative setting.

Adrien Broom’s Garden of Unexpected Guests: Surreal Portraits at Hôtel Swexan

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Written by Sam Johnson

2026-10-28

Immersive Art Transforms a Dallas Hotel Terrace

Step into a captivating oasis as narrative photographer Adrien Broom unveils her Living Tableaux series at the Kengo Kuma-designed Hôtel Swexan in Dallas. From November 11 to 22, 2026, Broom’s The Garden of Unexpected Guests will transform the hotel’s terrace into a fantastical topiary wonderland boasting a 10-foot-tall rabbit, giraffes, and dancers. This art installation, crafted in collaboration with Martine Chaisson Gallery, invites visitors to engage through private portrait sessions, weaving them into surreal photographic compositions.

Girl in a long gown with bunny topiaries and a small dog.
A girl in a long gown stands in an Adrien Broom-inspired room filled with large bunny-shaped topiaries and a small dog on a grass floor.

Crafting Fantasy with Reality

Broom’s sets draw on mythology, folklore, and childhood wonder, melding sculptural props, intricate costumes, and atmospheric lighting. “Every Living Tableaux starts with a world I build by hand,” Broom shares. “It’s an art form that combines sculpture, production design, light, and photography, with a little therapy mixed in. No two portraits are ever alike.”

For those intrigued by surreal landscapes, Rafael Silveira’s Surreal Landscapes offers a unique fusion of portraiture and whimsy.

Aerial view of SWEXAN glass tower in dense city, by Adrien Broom.
Aerial view of the modern, glass SWEXAN tower in a dense city district, captured by Adrien Broom.

An Artistic Residence for Adrien Broom in Dallas

This presentation at Hôtel Swexan marks a new chapter for Broom. As part of the hotel’s artist-in-residence program, she aims to immerse guests and the Dallas arts community in her creative process. Julian Payne, the hotel’s general manager, describes the initiative as a reflection of their dedication to art, music, culture, and diversity.

Woman in blazer and boots in flooded room with cypress trees and alligator.
An Adrien Broom-style scene of a woman in a blazer and boots standing in a dark, flooded room filled with cypress trees, holding a leash attached to an alligator.

A Harmonious Blend of European Elegance and Texan Flair

Swexan merges European hospitality with bold Texan design, showcased in its eclectic dining offerings like Stillwell’s and Babou’s library-themed nightclub. This playful approach extends to Broom’s work, setting her imaginative scenes within these distinctive spaces.

Formal dinner with mushroom sculptures and candelabras, in Adrien Broom style.
A formal dinner party in a room decorated with large, Adrien Broom-style mushroom sculptures and candelabras.

Participatory Art Experiences

In a first for Living Tableaux, the residency will offer limited 90-minute portrait sessions, inviting individuals, couples, and families—even pets—into Broom’s ephemeral artwork. Each session, priced at $3,500, includes five retouched images. Advance reservations are available at hotelswexan.com.

A surreal garden scene with adrien broom aesthetics, featuring people and animal sculptures in an imaginative setting.

Sources & Links

Source: design-milk.com

Frequently asked questions

When can visitors see Adrien Broom’s installation in Dallas?

Adrien Broom’s The Garden of Unexpected Guests will be on display from November 11 to 22, 2026.

What features are included in Adrien Broom’s art installation?

The installation features a fantastical topiary wonderland with a 10-foot-tall rabbit, giraffes, and dancers.

How much do the portrait sessions at Hôtel Swexan cost?

Each 90-minute portrait session costs $3,500 and includes five retouched images.

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