A deeper look into Ilma's singular art program, featuring original Hockneys, Picassos and Warhols on board.
A deeper look into Ilma's singular art program, featuring original Hockneys, Picassos and Warhols on board.
Imagine communing with the sea turtles of Andy Warhol and the swimming pools of David Hockney, alongside original paintings and sculptures from emerging and renowned artists from the around the world, in a most unexpected place. Encountered on the water — in the sumptuous and secluded setting of Ilma, the second yacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection — these modern masterworks thrill in altogether new and surprising ways. Whether literally forming a stunning visual backdrop or instinctively felt as rolling waves, roaring sounds and fresh sea air, the presence of the ocean adds a layer of the sublime to the appreciation of these works, which were intentionally curated and installed to create a deep, lasting effect in the viewer.
To create this unforgettable exhibition at sea, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection collaborated with Enterprise & Art, a renowned Amsterdam-based art consultancy firm, and Mark Myers, independent art consultant of Atlantic Art. Alejandra Obregon, Director of Architecture and Design for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, worked with a team of architects, designers and maritime engineers to curate an exhilarating, authentically artistic experience on board Ilma.
That includes a stunning arrival, where guests encounter marble sculptures by New York artist Jon Isherwood and a mother-of-pearl assemblage by Dutch designer Rob Plattel, and a colorful trip through the decks as Chas Colburn’s vibrant acrylic panels serve as both stairway and symbols of the depths. Elsewhere, rich tapestries, anemones, and water-inspired forms, and marine paintings provide an energetic backdrop that blends the feel of an intimate tour through a private collection with the experience of a luxury cruise.
We caught up with Obregon to hear about the inspiration, ethos and aesthetic behind this enchanting art gallery at sea, featuring 676 hand-selected artworks, 48 of which were created especially for Ilma.
What was unique about curating an art collection for Ilma?
Alejandra Obregon: We are creating a building that is essentially floating on water, and so every millimeter counts. Our approach to the art collection was something that really was created organically. It took a lot of time to not only find the pieces but find the right location for them on the ship.
How do you balance the design signature of Ilma and its art collection with the rich aesthetic history and visual language of The Ritz-Carlton?
Alejandra Obregon: We are finding our voice in design and aesthetic. Of course, we draw inspiration from The Ritz-Carlton in that we are sophisticated, refined and elegant. There’s also a sense of navigation and curiosity. When we explore, we reignite this feeling of an almost childlike joy and discovery that we translate through the design of the yacht.
What kinds of artists did you focus on for the collection?
Alejandra Obregon: We wanted to create a collection that felt like it was created over time, like a privately owned collection that grew organically. Our approach was selecting both period pieces and contemporary pieces, from artists who are globally renowned to others who are just beginning their careers and are highly talented.
What impression do you hope the collection ultimately leaves with guests?
Alejandra Obregon: We use art not only to communicate beautiful vision but also as a way to locate where you are within the ship. You’re able to sort of identify the color that is the closest to your suite or is the closest to your favorite restaurant. We don’t gear toward trends or things that just make a statement for one moment in time, but things that are really going to hold a presence and a design aesthetic that is long-lasting and timeless.
