Art of Independence of the Seas

With each new Royal Caribbean International vessel, new and exciting features are introduced to guests, including the art programs on board.  All artwork onboard Independence of the Seas was commissioned by International Corporate Art of Oslo, Norway, who presented a unique platform of artwork to RCI and who has also done so for various other ships in the fleet.  This presentation  was intended to tie the artwork, personality, and character of the ship together.

Aboard Independence of the Seas, contemporary and striking modern pieces fall back on history to create such a unique compilation.  Throughout time, artists have always studied each other's work and been inspired by what they saw.  The same image, the same light, the same colours show up time and again in new combinations, seen anew by eyes contemporary to the era, and resulting in art which tells us about the artist's relationship to his own world and culture, as well as the debt he owes to the past.

The advanced form of replication which occurs throughout history, is again in focus in the art world now, mostly due to technical innovations such as photography and video.  Contemporary art recognizes the debt it owes to earlier artists, and many younger artists update images, messages, colors, to fit the art language of today, simultaneously using their iconic status to dissect accepted cultural norms and mores.  Contemporary artists are using the old masters for their own purposes, not just copying them.  With the explosion of photography as an art form, the possibility arose to play with the masters in a distinctly contemporary manner.

Moving ahead in time bring guests to the main staircase where one will find works based on the lovely and popular Impressionists such as Monet, Manet, and Degas.   Located on the starboard side here are ground breaking works of Expressionists such as Munch and van Gogh.

Each contemporary artwork was chosen for its specific artistic expression.  The inspired artwork aboard Independence of the Seas is unique and interesting - a collection that reminds one that even in these contemporary times, history is always relevant.

The collaboration of Royal Caribbean International and International Corporate Art started back in 1995 with the introduction of the Legend of the Seas.  In all, more than one hundred million dollars has been been placed on the ships since.

Each Royal Caribbean ship has its own personality and the same can be said for each of its art programs on board.  As Royal Caribbean's art advisors, International Corporate Art works closely with management, as well as with the variety of international designers and architects, to create a truly collaborative result.  The dictionary definition of a Renaissance person is 'highly cultivated, skilled, and well versed in many or, ideally, all of the arts and sciences.'  The team at International Corporate Art pools their cultural, technical, and logistical competence toward one common goal - the creation of an art program onboard that is beautiful, interesting, and exclusive, one which will leave a lasting impression.

Art preferences are generally subjective and not everyone will relate to every piece seen on board Independence of the Seas but, chances are, that the artwork will be noticed, discussed, and remembered, hopefully enhancing all of her guests' cruise experience.

The art collection on board Independence of the Seas is the result of over two years of creative planning, purchasing, producing, and installing.

Content of 'Art of Independence of the Seas' gives credit to International Corporate Art and the content of their production 'Art, The Collection - Independence of the Seas'.