Australian’s are in anticipation for the latest, largest and most technologically innovative cruise ship to ever be deployed to Australia, Ovation of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean have revealed a vast 11,000-piece, US$4.5 million dollar art collection that was stirred by the ship’s numerous exotic destinations. Curated by London-based Peter Millard and Partners and inspired by Confucius’ words “Wherever you go, go with all your heart,” the collection boasts ultramodern pieces from artists from around the world.
[pullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] “The true essence of a Royal Caribbean holiday is to broaden travellers’ horizons by introducing them to new and unexpected adventures, and that includes the dynamic art we feature onboard our ships,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “In closely collaborating with our partners and the artists, Ovation features unexpected and destination-inspired artwork, custom pieces and interactive art that will surprise guests at every corner.” [/pullquote]
10 Metre Panda and Cub Set Sail
One of the centrepiece photo ops onboard Ovation of the Seas is “Mama and Baby,” a attention-grabbing commission designed by a U.K.-based artist Jo Smith. Suspended atop the SeaPlex on deck 15, the piece illustrates a mother panda and her cub, reaching out to one another. Reflected as a symbol of good luck in Chinese culture, the peaceful creatures with the characteristic black and white coat are intended to bestow peace and prosperity on all who interact with them. The pandas are also a playful affirmation to the cruise line’s newly announced partnership with World Wildlife Fund, with emphases on guaranteeing the long-term health of the oceans.
Together, Mama and Baby weigh approximately six-and-a-half tons. Mama stands 10 meters tall from the deck to the top of the sculpture, while Baby is approximately three meters tall.
As if the signature Mama and Baby couldn’t get any more extraordinary, Ovation’s crew will have the honour of naming them when the ship sets sail, a tradition for Royal Caribbean crew members as done for sister ship fittings – Quantum of the Seas’ Felicia the Bear and Anthem of the Seas’ Gigi the Giraffe.
Smart Art Includes First Moving Sculpture at Sea
It wouldn’t be a smart ship devoid of smart art, and the Quantum class trademark of high-tech pieces endures onboard Ovation with “Sky Wave,” a piece sure to be a crowd favourite. Created by New York-based Hypersonic and Boston-based Plebian Design, Sky Wave is the first ever mobile moving sculpture at sea. The installation pivots and curves at different points to mirror the flow of both wind and water. Extra inspiration was also taken from the ship’s movement, culminating in a piece that combines both maritime elements and engineering.
Each petal in Sky Wave is made of handcrafted fiberglass and differs in length to refine the faultless rolling sway. Located on deck 5 just in the Royal Esplanade, the stunning, wisely created art piece was commissioned specifically for Ovation.
Elevator Art Gets a New Look, Still Prime for Selfies
The elevator art on Quantum class is known for selfies, and Ovation of the Seas is no exemption. Ovation is enriching the selfie art game with all-new imagery from Chinese photographer Huainan Li’s series, “The World of the Senses.” The dominant series features the futuristic faces of women emphasised in metallic hues and sporting glasses that imitate a variety of imaginative scenes. The collection of 10 pieces is sure to wow and amuse guests each time they ride from deck to deck, and pack an unpredicted blow when the doors open.
The Red Thread
One of the greatest iconic art locales on Quantum-class ships is the rotunda, which unites mid-ship’s Jamie’s Italian and Vintages. Ovation promises not to disappoint as you explore Ovation you will enjoy the work of Bieli Liu, a Chinese artist who played into the natural movement of the ship with an reworked copy from her “Lure” series of installations. The sculpture was created to fit the rotunda location and signifies an ancient Chinese legend portraying the red threads that connect Chinese children to their soulmates. A disc may be connected to another, as a pair; and a pair of disks may shoot from a single thread. The installation is designed to swing from the ceiling developing a animated and robust piece that reacts to subtle air currents and movement as the red coils turn, and strands of thread become entwined.
All the way through the entire ship, guests will find curated art at every turn. Heading into the Royal Theater, British artist Dominic Harris engrosses show-goers with an collaborating piece titled “Flutter Wall.” The 120-inch screen showcases butterflies on a black canvas that outwardly fly away as guests walk up for a closer view. A true surprise and delight experience parallel to the additional installations that travellers can relish onboard.
Ovation spans 18 decks, encompasses 168,666 gross registered tons, carries 4,180 guests at double occupancy and features 2,091 staterooms.
