Holland America Koningsdam & Nieuw Statendam
Seattle, WA, USA
Colours of Sound
ArtLink collaborated with acclaimed interior designer, Adam D. Tihany for Holland America Line on three vast and exciting projects: the Koningsdam, the Nieuw Statendam, and most recently the Rotterdam. Throughout the history of Holland America Line, the company’s purpose remained the same: to give its passengers once-in-a-lifetime experiences during their journeys. This legacy continues onboard each ship, transforming the passenger’s individual observation into a one-of-a-kind sensational experience through sight.
The art collection onboard these two ships explores musical instruments as objects to be examined, deconstructed and suggested as raw materials; live performances and recorded music are given their due in artists’ photographic tributes; and even sound waves themselves are represented in the collection, inviting guests to experience the colors of sound and reflect on the essence of music.
Artfully Inspired
Go behind the scenes of this year-long global search for the world’s best emerging contemporary artists to feature in this collection, led by ArtLink Founder & CEO Tal Danai. Created in close collaboration with Tihany Design and Holland America Line.
Unique Materials and Forms
Similar to how the shape of an instrument informs its harmonious sound, the diverse processes and techniques of individual artists result in the creation of unique artworks. We brought artists Jason Krugman and Peter Gentenaar onboard the Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam and worked with them on an initiative which saw the creation of two bespoke artworks that used the same creative methods but saw unique outcomes.
On both the Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam respectively, the LED light sculptures ‘Quad Helix’ and ‘Hyper Helix’ by Krugman, and the impressive natural-form sculptures, ‘Wings of the Pharao’ and ‘Purple Swirl’ by Gentenaar, span two decks on each ship. Guests onboard both voyages can see a continuity of the artist’s work and their artistic tapestry woven into the Holland America Line Pinnacle ships.
“ArtLink successfully bridges the connection between those artists that deserve to be seen and those who will be excited to appreciate them.”
Orlando Ashford • Former President, Holland America Line
Metal Etchings
Sandra Spannan’s exceptional etchings and gold leaf on glass and wood panels for the Pinnacle Grill on both Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam drew inspiration from their very material.
“The choice of ‘precious metals’ such as 9-karat white gold, palladium, silver and 23-karat gold leaf bring history and powerful symbolism into the mix. Walnut, a very hard wood, is perfect for etching—its darkness a perfect foil for the bright leaf, constantly changing with the viewer’s movement.” — Sandra Spannan, Artist
Harp Sculpture
The biggest artwork onboard both ships, ‘Harps’, was inspired by the harmonic forms of musical instruments. Produced and designed by ArtLink, and based on a concept by Tihany Design, identical harp-like stainless steel sculptures were installed for the central atrium staircase in both the Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam. Weighing 7.5 tons and suspending three-decks in the air with a circumference of 30 feet, the atrium sculptures are an aesthetic and collaborative triumph and are iconic features of both ships.
Tin Glazed Earthenware Violin
ArtLink worked with the Rijksmuseum to commission a high-quality photographic mural of the Tin Glazed Earthenware Violin especially for the Nieuw Statendam reception area. A symbol of national pride for the Dutch, the images of the violin emphasize the intricate level of craftsmanship and distinctive pottery style honed by the Dutch, and pays homage to the geographical and historical voyages of Dutch travelers on the Holland America Line.
Project Details
ArtLink collaborated with acclaimed interior designer, Adam D. Tihany for Holland America Line on three vast and exciting projects: the Koningsdam, the Nieuw Statendam, and most recently the Rotterdam. Throughout the history of Holland America Line, the company’s purpose remained the same: to give its passengers once-in-a-lifetime experiences during their journeys. This legacy continues onboard each ship, transforming the passenger’s individual observation into a one-of-a-kind sensational experience through sight. The art collection onboard these two ships explores musical instruments as objects to be examined, deconstructed and suggested as raw materials; live performances and recorded music are given their due in artists’ photographic tributes; and even sound waves themselves are represented in the collection, inviting guests to experience the colors of sound and reflect on the essence of music.
Project details
Client: Holland America Line
Works Provided: 240
Artists: 76
Services provided
