The Shelborne By Proper unveiled The Observer Effect by internationally acclaimed multimedia artist Pilar Zeta, marking its official debut on the sands in front of the iconic beachfront hotel. The launch drew a vibrant crowd of media, cultural tastemakers, and Art Week insiders for an immersive encounter where light, color, nature, and architectural form converged.
The evening began with a media preview on the sand, where attendees experienced the installation’s interplay of scale, material, and multi-dimensional form. The installation, a monumental piece composed of eight large-scale metallic portals, transforms the shoreline into an otherworldly landscape of reflection and perception. Each sculptural form is finished with an iridescent surface that shifts with the movement of the sun, revealing an ever-changing chromatic spectrum that mirrors the fluidity of perception itself. As guests moved through the work, the geometry of the structure responded to their position, creating a perceptual threshold where what is seen is defined by where one stands.
By day, The Observer Effect acts as a radiant prism of color and light; by night, it evolves into a luminous, contemplative environment through an orchestrated lighting composition, inviting quiet contemplation and collective awe.
The celebration continued at The Shelborne By Proper’s lush, open-air Cerith Terrace, where guests gathered under the night sky and were enveloped in sounds from DJ Mia Moretti. Attendees sipped on a lineup of standout cocktails, including vibrant Passionfruit Margaritas by LALO Tequila, chilled Shelborne Martinis by Grey Goose, and refreshing Hugo Spritzes by St-Germain while indulging in an array of delectable bites, including Beef Tataki on Crispy Rise with Ponzu, creamy Burrata Crostinis, and indulgent Mini Lobster Rolls. An added celebratory moment, guests were invited to savor in the crisp elegance of Grey Goose Altius with mini shots and caviar bumps, a luxe pairing that perfectly complemented the installation’s unveiling.
The Observer Effect is now open for public viewing on the beach at The Shelborne By Proper, from sunrise to sunset, December 2–7, 2025.
Image credit: Marina Goldi and World Red Eye
