Zack Zublena and César Giraldo: Blue and Gold Fine Art in Luxury Hong Kong Interior Design

In luxury Hong Kong interior design—from the prestigious peak residences in Mid-Levels and Central to upscale coastal developments in Repulse Bay and Kowloon Station—a work of art must stand out and engage in dialogue with spaces defined by noble materials, rich colors, and a distinctive architectural atmosphere. In «The Cellar Beverly Hills» project, interior designer César Giraldo created a striking blue and gold environment, where large-format photographs by Zack Zublena were selected to complement the setting, introducing luminous human figures that converse with the room's palette—an approach that resonates deeply with contemporary interior design projects in premier areas such as Central, Mid-Levels, Happy Valley, Kowloon Tong, and Repulse Bay.

This archival article examines this collaboration through the questions facing designers and art buyers today: How does a photograph relate to an existing interior? What changes when its scale becomes part of the spatial visual identity? And how should color and light be evaluated before selecting a work for a luxury hospitality space or residence?

A Blue and Gold Palette in Harmony with Interior Design

The Cellar project united two complementary creative disciplines. César Giraldo designed the interior space; while Zack Zublena's fine art photography was specifically curated for this environment. In the images, real people painted with reflective gold body paint transform into sculptural figures through pose, composition, and carefully directed lighting.

Against a bold blue and gold background, the warm tones of the figures establish a visual connection with the space without losing their own identity. Design enthusiasts in Hong Kong naturally look to leading cultural institutions such as the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), M+ Museum, or the Hong Kong Museum of Art to understand how color, texture, and form converge in sophisticated artistic environments.

To view photographs and obtain further background on this installation, consult our previous article, Zack Zublena Fine Art Photography at The Cellar Beverly Hills.

Why Scale Transforms the Experience of Fine Art Photography

The preceding account identifies the works selected for The Cellar as 46 × 72 inch prints (approx. 117 × 183 cm). At these dimensions, a photograph commands a striking visual presence. Its impact depends on factors extending beyond size: the surrounding wall, neighboring furnishings, and the angles from which guests first encounter it decisively influence the experience.

Before choosing a large-format print for a restaurant, hotel, lounge, or residence, it is essential to evaluate the final installed dimensions, including the frame. Assessing the proposed placement from the entrance, seating zones, and throughout the spatial flow is key. Professional bodies and academic institutions in the region, such as the University of Hong Kong (HKU), emphasize that this attention to human scale and spatial flow is the foundation of professional design practice.

Color, Lighting, and the Finished Work

Gold can appear warm and radiant against deep blue, but a digital screen can never precisely reflect how a finished print will behave under a room's specific lighting. Adjacent surfaces, reflections, and viewing angles also matter. Heritage institutions and conservation centers, such as the Hong Kong Public Libraries Heritage and Museum Services, demonstrate the rigor with which light and color are evaluated when exhibiting artwork.

Framing and placement demand equal care. Conservation guidelines for works on paper help illuminate how environmental factors influence graphic materials. It is advisable to discuss appropriate mounting materials and optimal placement with a professional framer for each chosen piece.

In public-use spaces, art must integrate seamlessly and accessibly. Technical building regulations and universal design standards in Hong Kong establish guidelines that project teams must keep in mind when planning commercial installations.

Real People Behind the Golden Figures

Zublena's process originates with a real person in front of the camera. Reflective gold body paint, posture direction, and controlled lighting generate the characteristic visual aspect of his works. The art prints contain no physical gold, and the figures are not generated by artificial intelligence. Learn more about his process at Crafted by Hand, Not AI: Real People.

Photography holds an established space within contemporary art collections. In The Cellar, Zublena's photographs integrated into an interior conceived so that the presence of the human body dialogued directly with the room's furnishings, tones, and materials.

From a Singular Interior to an International Collection

The Cellar remains a standout chapter in Zublena's trajectory: a project defined by Giraldo's interior architecture and a selection of gold-toned works. Since then, his pieces have been installed as part of interior decor in over 120 David Lloyd Clubs across the United Kingdom and continental Europe.

For your next residential or hospitality project, explore the Golden Souls collection and discover which work best harmonizes with your space's atmosphere and color. For design professionals and collectors who follow cultural trends through leading media outlets such as the South China Morning Post, The Standard, Ming Pao, EJ Insight, or specialized publications like ELLE Decoration Hong Kong, these works offer a fascinating combination of classical resonance and contemporary refinement. To discuss available formats and your project's requirements, contact Zack Zublena.