Works Of Art On A Work Of Art
Last night, I got a wonderful present.
Joan Blackman gave me the very first copy of the “Wonderbook”, the book describing the art collection onboard Oasis of the Seas. Joan leads International Corporate Art (ICArt) and is our art advisor and guide. They have chosen, acquired and installed the wonderful art collection comprising over 9,000 items. The book is a beautiful description of the collection and how it is organized.The ship itself may be a work of art, but the art onboard takes that to a whole new level. Art has always been an important compliment on our ships and on OASIS, we wanted to take it to a new level. There are some 9,000 pieces of which over 1,000 are in the public areas.
They usually start with a theme which they use to act as a unifying element. The theme may not be obvious at first blush – in fact I personally prefer if it’s not – but our experience shows that it really helps create a more interesting collection. In the case of Oasis of the Seas, our theme was “the wonders of our world” and I think that really proved to be fortuitous.
A key feature is the “bookends” of the four stair towers. The landings give us a great place to display some wonderful sections and set a mood. For Oasis00, they developed a unique framing system which I felt complimented the art in an interesting way that accentuated the art rather than overwhelmed it. The system also serves as a subliminal compliment to our wayfinding systems. Because each stair tower concentrates on a particular color, it helps remind our guests of where they are. We don’t expect them to consciously think about it, but the subliminal reminder helps make the process simple and intuitive.
In addition to the public art, we also have a new art amenity onboard. Joan has started a new shop onboard called Art Actually where one can see and buy art made by the artists whose work can be seen around the ship. They have a neat shop on Central Park. It is decorated all in orange since Joan has a fetish for the color orange (if we had to have an art consultant who was a fetishist, why did it have to be for a color?). From Art Actually, one can take guided tours of the art onboard and on some cruises, they will bring artists onboard to talk about their work.
I am particularly intrigued by the idea of Art Actually selling works by Oasis artists and think it should be a very successful concept. During the inaugurals, people are too busy to take the tours, but they are wonderful too. The WONDERBOOK is also a great reminder of the ship and her art.
I think we will have three different reactions to the art. Most of our guests will not even consciously focus on it. For them, the art is just a natural compliment to the fine architecture and they will focus on relatively few pieces. Then there will be a large proportion who will admire the art and really enjoy being in the midst of so much wonderful art. And then there will be a few who realize what an incredible collection it is and really concentrate on studying the pieces and contemplating (and arguing about) their qualities. I’m happy about all three.
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Well, Guess what!
I did notice the collection of art pieces on board your ships. I wrote many comments about them on past cruises.
I was also very pround that you included some fine crafts, as a craftsperson myself, I appreciate crafts being part of the three-dimensional art efforts
I would take the time every cruise to walk around every deck on both sides of the ship on the stateroom decks as well as in the public areas. I found some treasures indeed. It took a while everyday but it was time well invested and good for the spirits as well as inspiring!!
Now, I’ve got a problem! I’m going on the Oasis in January ,but I only booked a 7-day cruise,so will I have enough time to go around everywhere? 9000 items heh? Shall I count them? How about the hand carved coroussel, and the plants and butterflies and food to taste and should I take another week to relax??
Thanks for encouraging artists and artisans
Dominique
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Mr. Fain,
As a former RCCL employee and former Cunard employee I can certainly say that Royal Caribbean won the contest for “most succesful new ship launch in history”! I thought Cunard did a great job with QM2 but what RC has done with Oasis is just flat out AMAZING!
The excitement you have generated is second to none. The other cruise lines should be sent a bill for free advertising!
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Squish…
Brand new art magazine…
I can’t wait to see the art one of my dearest friend Luisa Mesa had two pieces commisioned for the Oasis, and I promissed her that I would photograph them. And luckly I will have the opportunity to do so on novemebre 27, 28 and 29th.
Jose
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Well I just have to say that the ships are really terriffic and I posted a reply tpo an artical bigger isnt better and let em know what I think. Another thing is from the first day I set foot on my first RCI cruise “Enchantment” I have noted your amazing abilities running RCI. I have had many moments concerned with RCI’s success in this economy but whatever happens going forward you have done an amazing job of instilling confidence in your product. I could easily see you as a US President. Not since Ted at Spirit have I felt such admiration for a persons ability and as a result I stay with RCI when I cruise and defend the company when it is unfairly portrayed and look forward to bigger and better! Keep up the supreme job well done. God bless you and RCI.
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Sorry for the typos and it was Ned at Spirit Airlines.
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I am one of the artists …is it possible to get a copy of the book…thank you
Beatricia Sagar
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i likes navy i m from brasil i lives americana i m jail mr chairman globo tv mr roberto irineu marinho this men put police every day
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Well when we travel we always remember the images don’t we. So all the art, all the beauty, all the pictures, they stay with us forever. Just like my mother and father used to say. Remember that trip we did and saw this or that… a ship with beautiful art will be remembered for ever. Great job on the Oasis!
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By the way we artist could be teaching art and painting on the Oasis. That would be coll… I would do it! Fun for the people on board.. What you think Mr Fain? I enjoy teaching a lot. Plus a lot of inspiration as we travel through this world.
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Hi!, I´m wondering, how can i get it?…the \Wonderbook\? or a list with the names of the artists?. I´ll appreciate your answer
Thank you!
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Congratulations! You have hit a home run — ten of them. My wife and I traveled on the Oasis in January and were overwhelmed by the art. Words can’t begin to describe the passion of color that we found, One week was not nearly enough. The Wonderbook was outstanding. Megan, who led the tours, was very knowledgeable and professional. You will be hard pressed to duplicate this effort on the Allure. And many thanks to Joan Blackman and Richard Fain for having the foresight and passion to make this effort truly wonderful.
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