Located in the heart of Bellevue, Avenue Bellevue, the two-tower mixed-use development, features a blend of residences, retail spaces, and a luxury hotel. In July 2024, Avenue Bellevue welcomed the opening of the InterContinental Bellevue at The Avenue, a luxury hotel offering 208 rooms.
The two-tower project also includes a variety of retail options, such as Jo Malone, Fleur Studio, the furniture store Brume, the restaurant Cé La Vie, a lobby bar and lounge, and Fresco, a breakfast eatery highlighting Pacific Northwest cuisine.
Mykal Aubry, an accomplished artist and creator of two sculptures featured at Avenue Bellevue and InterContinental Bellevue, shared insights into his artistic journey and collaboration with the development.
Art as a Lifelong Passion
Aubry’s passion for art began in childhood, with a focus on drawing animals, especially owls. He pursued graphic design professionally as a teenager, landing a role at a design agency while still in high school. Aubry later studied at Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles. While still in college, he worked at Disney as a junior designer and continued his career as an art director at Warner Bros. By 2003, Aubry shifted his focus to painting, creating works that reflect his artistic progression.
Collaboration with Avenue Bellevue
Aubry was introduced to the Avenue project by a friend and later invited by developer Andy Lakha to propose sculpture concepts. Aubry’s designs were selected after a creative process that spanned approximately two years. His sculptures, “Liquiene Dreams” and “Into The One,” are now key features of the development.
Creating the Sculptures
Aubry’s process began with hand-drawn sketches, from which he developed digital renderings. After narrowing his designs, two were chosen for production. Both sculptures are crafted from mirror-polished stainless steel, a material Aubry selected for its compatibility with the development’s aesthetic and its ability to reflect light dynamically.
“Liquiene Dreams” is installed at the main entrance and represents uplifting energy and the unlimited potential for new possibilities. “Into The One” is situated in the plaza, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all existence. Each piece is mounted on custom-designed granite bases that complement the outdoor setting.
Aubry collaborated closely with the development and construction teams to ensure seamless integration of the sculptures with the architecture. He noted fortuitous alignments between his designs and the building’s architectural elements, like the wave-like forms of the balconies echoing “Liquiene Dreams.”
Artistic Influences and Vision
Aubry’s art is influenced by his personal journey of inner transformation, as well as inspiration from architecture, music, and dance. He also creates meditative soundscapes to accompany his visual work.
Local and Global Impact
Avenue Bellevue marks Aubry’s first project in the Seattle area. Beyond Bellevue, his artwork can be seen in Uptown Minneapolis at the MoZaic Business Center. Additionally, his painting “Surrender” has been featured at Dr. Joe Dispenza’s meditation retreats worldwide.
Looking Ahead
Aubry is currently developing a new series of paintings exploring the subconscious and its role in shaping human experience. This series promises to expand on his existing body of work, reflecting his ongoing artistic evolution.
