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October 5, 2023

Silver Nova‘s art collection comprises nearly 1,800 works created by 59 artists from 25 countries, taking guests on a unique visual journey. It is the largest collection on any ship in the history of Silversea Cruises, meticulously curated to introduce a new way of perceiving, being, and discovering.

Guiding guests on a visual odyssey that ignites curiosity and fuels their desire for exploration, the art program brings together an international collection of works, most of which were commissioned for specific locations on Silver Nova to complement the ship’s numerous architectural innovations.

“Our entire Silversea Cruises experience is tailored to the interests and expectations of our guests,” declared Barbara Muckermann, President of Silversea. “Similar to our immersive and experiential voyages that showcase the world’s most remarkable cultures, our art collection aboard Silver Nova has been expertly curated to take guests on a visual journey of discovery and self-enrichment. With approximately 1,800 artworks created by nearly 60 artists to admire, this journey is as spectacular as the pioneering architecture of our newest ship.”

ICArt, an international art consultancy with over three decades of expertise in creating unique art experiences, meticulously curated Silver Nova‘s art collection. They handpicked over 1,250 framed artworks, 9 installations, 8 sculptures, and more, including intriguing and historically significant antiques, Murano glass vases, and art books.

“Art adds dimension, context, and meaning to the Silver Nova experience,” stated Mariangela Capuzzo, Chief Creative Officer of ICArt. “It captures guests’ intellect and imagination. Our intent was to create a visual impact that arouses curiosity both visually and conceptually. Our curatorial direction on Silver Nova sheds light on a new way of perceiving, a new way of being, and a new way of discovering. It’s about exploring the world’s cultures and discovering new destinations.”

Highlights from Silver Nova‘s extensive art collection include:

THE MESSINA COLLECTION. 38 BRONZE SCULPTURES

The Messina collection comprises 38 bronze sculptures by the renowned Italian sculptor Francesco Messina, in the 20th-century Novecento style. Silversea acquired the collection in 2006, and 14 significant pieces have come together for the first time on Silver Nova. One of the collection’s most notable sculptures is the 4.5-foot-tall (1.37m) ‘Scuola di Danza,’ translated as ‘School of Dance,’ depicting a ballerina welcoming guests with open arms on Deck 2.

SUITE CORRIDORS: A DIALOGUE BETWEEN PAST AND PRESENT

The artistic direction of the suite corridors continues the exploration of history, culture, and nature found throughout the staircases. Photography by Silversea‘s longtime ambassador Steve McCurry in key focal points, alongside an array of maps from the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum—considered the first true modern atlas—creates a dialogue between past and present, inviting guests on a journey through time. Each suite corridor, from Deck 6 to Deck 9, focuses on a distinct geographical region: Deck 6, Europe; Deck 7, Asia; Deck 8, Africa; and Deck 9, the Americas.

OTIVM: ROMAN – INSPIRED ARTISTRY

In homage to Silversea‘s Otium wellness program, which enhances guests’ onboard experience, Roman-inspired artworks adorn the Otium Spa and the two Otium suites (five pieces in each suite) on Silver Nova. For example, Venus Fragmentée #2, a Romanesque plaster bust by artist Marina Mankarios, graces a pedestal at the entrance of the Otium Spa. In Roman culture, Otium—the opposite of negotium, the absence of business—was a indulgent period of leisure, during which people bathed, conversed, theorized, drank, ate, and relaxed.

THE LIBRARY: A DREAMY LOOK AT THE SEA AND SKY

In the concealed Library on Deck 10, Albanian artist Artur Sula has created a captivating mural on the ceiling, inviting visitors to survey the sea and peer into the night sky’s constellations. Covering 280 square feet, the artwork was hand-painted in place and accentuated with 24K gold leaf.

Art aboard Silver Nova is a celebration of beauty and inspiration, a treasury of discoveries that enriches every guest’s experience and offers a fresh perspective on the world. With works by artists from around the globe spanning sculpture, painting, antiquities, and more, Silver Nova provides an extraordinary artistic journey in every corner of the ship. The art collection is not just decorative; it serves as a starting point for new adventures and reflections aboard this remarkable vessel.

One more reason to embark on an incredible journey aboard Silver Nova, a voyage within a voyage, where you can learn and immerse yourself in other stories and cultures while comfortably aboard Silversea Cruises‘ newest ship.

Stay tuned for more information, tips, and reviews of Silver Nova on Cruising Journal, complete with photos, videos, and special cruise offers.

Gabriele Bassi

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