Pioneering the Caribbean Artist Initiative with Royal Caribbean
ArtLink proudly presents the RCL Caribbean Artist Initiative aboard Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Utopia of the Seas—an initiative designed to immerse guests in the vibrant culture of the Caribbean as they journey through its seas and islands. This initiative aims to connect travelers with the heritage, stories, and natural beauty of the Caribbean through locally-made art.
ArtLink’s Manta Rays for Utopia of the Seas
ArtLink recently completed one of its most complex projects yet: a stunning art installation featuring five monumental manta ray sculptures for Royal Caribbean’s new Utopia of the Seas ship. This project wasn’t just about creating art—it was about telling a story, representing the unique culture of the Caribbean, and transforming a space into an experience that resonates with the ship's passengers.
Studio Visit | Caroline Zimbalist
ArtLink is always on the lookout for emerging talent with innovative and unique approaches to art. When we came across Caroline Zimbalist’s bioplastic works, we were immediately intrigued by her fresh perspective and handling of these interesting materials. An emerging artist, Caroline embodies the values we cherish at ArtLink—creativity, innovation, and a dedication to eco-friendly practices. This made her work a perfect fit for ArtLink’s recent TUI Mein Schiff 7 project that was centered around the client’s emphasis on discovery and sustainability, resulting in a large commission of artworks for the ship. We had the pleasure of discussing Caroline’s artistic process, inspirations, and the journey that led her to create the bioplastic sculptures, now featured onboard.
Fire & Ice Metamorphosis at Katara Towers
The FIRE & ICE glass installation, a collaborative project by master artisans Louis Thompson and Hanne Enemark for the Fairmont Doha’s Fire & Ice Restaurant (since renamed to Provok) offers a stunning fusion of artistry and environment.
Studio Visit | Kati Jünger
Master artisan Kati Jünger dedicates her work to the search of new materials to combine with ceramics without losing the functionality of the vessel. Embedded in the aesthetics of ancient ceramics, Jünger attempts to capture the transience of life, and the power of tradition, through replication and rearrangement. ArtLink approached Kati for a special commission of 64 teapots for the Katara Towers Fairmont hotel’s tea lounge. We went behind the scenes with Kati to discuss her work and this project.
Trading Cultures
The Katara Towers was designed to be a cultural icon, making it the perfect host for our efforts in creating such a deeply meaningful and inspirational collection of cultural exchange.
Discover the concept behind the curated book collection and experience at the Raffles Doha Blue Cigar Lounge and Writer's Bar.
Art Collection: International Reach, Local Focus
At ArtLink, our curatorial process always starts with research – we consider all the elements, from the brand's values and history, to specific social, cultural and visual elements characterizing the location of the hotel. We value the specific local features each hospitality venue brings to the world, and seek to represent it through the art collection, curated and tailored to tell the unique story of each brand and location.
Reflecting on 24 Years at ArtLink
I have often wondered how I ended up making art my calling. I think that like many of the fundamental undertakings in life, action came first, and understanding followed. When ArtLink first formed in my imagination it felt right, the sort of feeling one has when everything suddenly falls into place. And then, one day, I realized I spent almost half my life doing it.
Studio Visit | Sandra Spannan
Sandra Spannan is a German-born artist who has lived in New York City since 1993. As a decorative artist, gilder and restorer, Sandra has developed a range of techniques that apply precious materials onto steel and wood panels. Her beautiful work can be seen everywhere from the private residences of Anderson Cooper and Tom Hanks to Balthazer and Ace Hotels. In one of our recently completed projects, Holland America Line MS Koningsdam, we had the unique opportunity to collaborate on a site-specific work together.
Sandi Fellman | The Body is the Message Exhibition
During the early 1980s, photographer Sandi Fellman documented with great sensitivity and fidelity the art of Japanese tattoos – Irezumi. Fellman met with renowned tattoo master Mitsuaki Ohwada, better known as Horikin (“Engraved in Gold”), and for three years photographed his work and that of his colleagues.
Corridors & Revisited Memories: Aboard the Seabourn Ovation
Curating art for an ultra-luxury cruise ship is an exquisite pleasure. Like a collection of precious jewels, every space has its own special character. Each one must be outstanding on its own while being cohesive with the others.
Studio Visit | Ingrid Bugge
I use my camera as a tool for research. Since 2006 I have been testing the boundaries of intimacy and human knowledge, of nature and of emotion. As a fine art photographic artist, I approach the philosophical, the emotional and the archetypal. I focus my camera in search for the essence of things: I explore the nature of form, body and human knowledge in my photography, giving it a sensual dream-like feeling.