Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong opening next year at the former Joo Chiat Police Station, was noted in local press, for use of art of a local artist in their publicity. Hotel Indigo is the boutique brand of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).
The artist, Richard Lee Xin Li , had a rude shock when he saw, in a facebook post, an artist’s impression of one of the hotel rooms had incorporated his illustrations without his permission. Mr Lee, 27, is known for his nostalgic renderings of Singapore icons.
Mr Lee noted these were lifted off a series of colour illustrations he did on Katong.
Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is owned by Katong Holdings, which comprises three Singapore-based developers and builders: Master Contract Services, Keong Hong Construction and Asia Development.
When contacted, IHG vice-president of operations in South-east Asia Leanne Harwood said: “We understand that in the artist’s impression of the mock- up room for the hotel, imagery by local artist Richard Lee was unknowingly used. The owner has reached out to him with apologies and further discussions will be held to ascertain next steps.”
Ms Harwood said every Hotel Indigo property’s design reflects its neighbourhood, and the owners and consultants of the one in Katong hope to do the same by collaborating with the local community.
Katong Homes 