Royal Caribbean newbuild features 11,000 pieces of art, including exclusive sculptures
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Royal Caribbean International’s newest smartship, Ovation of the Seas, features an 11,000-piece, US$4.5 million dollar art collection.
Inspired by Confucius’ ‘Wherever you go, go with all your heart’ sentiment, the collection was curated by London-based Peter Millard and Partners and features contemporary art from artists worldwide.
“The true essence of a Royal Caribbean vacation is to broaden travellers' horizons by introducing them to new and unexpected adventures and that includes the art we feature onboard our ships,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “Ovation of the Seas features unexpected and destination-inspired artwork, unique pieces and interactive art experiences that will surprise and delight our guests.”
Perched atop the SeaPlex on deck 15, is a 33ft ‘Mama and Baby’ sculpture by UK-based artist Jo Smith, which depicts a mother panda and her cub reaching out to one another. Considered a symbol of good luck and a national treasure in Chinese culture, the pandas were curated with Ovation’s primarily Chinese guests in mind and are intended to bestow ‘peace and prosperity on all who interact with them’. Together, the pandas weigh around 6.5 tons.
Ovation of the Seas also features the first moving sculpture at sea – Sky Wave – in the Royal Esplanade. Created by New York-based Hypersonic and Boston-based Plebian Design, Sky Wave pivots and curves at different points to mirror the flow of both wind and water. Each petal in Sky Wave is made of handcrafted fibre glass and varies in length.
In the rotunda, which connects Jamie’s Italian and Vintages mid-ship, is ‘Lure’ by Chinese artist Bieli Liu. Adapted from a series of ‘Lure’ installations, the sculpture was inspired by the natural movement of the ship and represents an ancient Chinese legend depicting the red threads that connect Chinese children to their soulmates. The installation is suspended from the ceiling to enable it to respond to air currents and movement.
Zheng Lu’s ‘Water Dragon’ sculpture, which is inspired by his father, a Chinese poet, is located outside Two70, while Dominic Harris’ interactive ‘Flutter Wall’ is situated at the entrance to the Royal Theater. The 120-inch screen showcases butterflies on a black canvas that seemingly fly away as guests walk up for a closer view.
Even the elevators feature artwork. Chinese photographer Huainan Li has continued his selfie-themed ‘The World of the Senses’ series, which started on Quantum of the Seas and features ten pieces focused on the futuristic faces of women accented in metallic hues.