Everything You Need To Know About Art Onboard A Superyacht
Superyachts are typically considered works of art themselves, catching the attention of onlookers with groundbreaking designs and intricate details. Hailed as masterpieces, yachts have long been muses for artists and photographers spanning centuries, and today, they host some of the world's best art pieces onboard.
Over the years, the yachting and art worlds have become increasingly intertwined, embracing both sectors' luxury, privacy, and bespoke elements. Various art festivals, such as the Venice Biennale, which recently received sponsorship from Sanlorenzo, or yacht charters for the Art Basel in Miami, now appear on the superyacht charter calendar.
Thanks to our recently formed partnership with Space Gallery St Barth at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, IYC is proud to offer our clients access to some of the world's best artists, transforming superyachts into floating galleries. Director and Founder Natalie Clifford explains: "We are delighted to partner with a like-minded company that shares our goals of excellence and professionalism." The Space Gallery team is strategically located in St Barth's, Monaco and New York. Natalie works with yacht owners to curate the artwork onboard and the specific challenges this presents, selecting works that fit seamlessly into a yacht interior.
With insights from Natalie at Space Gallery, we have put together a comprehensive guide to art onboard a superyacht:
Curating A Perfect Collection
When selecting art for a superyacht, it is essential to consider that each piece enhances the space in some way and considers the purpose, whether it be to add a touch of luxury, comfort, or create mood and experience. Art collections vary greatly, from paintings and photography to sculptures. Working alongside an expert like Space Gallery can aid decision-making to ensure that it creates a cohesive and stunning visual experience. "We balance the needs and goals of each client," Natalie notes.
"Some owners are collectors and want to build meaningful collections, while others may have a different goal and be looking for more decorative works and select pieces based on aesthetics; we always aim to provide a very personalized and bespoke service." While art, like the choice of yacht, is highly subjective, there are some common themes. "I am seeing a lot of textural works and a tendency toward anything with textile, depth, fabrics, and materials, works which have relief,” she adds.
Practicalities Of Placement
Art installation onboard a luxury yacht presents various challenges. There are multiple practicalities and placement logistics to consider, from how to transport and store the piece to how and where to place it onboard. Knowing where to put a piece best is crucial for the overall experience as art pieces can sometimes be tricky to slot in, fitting them into niche spaces, curved walls, etc. Natalie explains the work Space Gallery does with yachts still in build: "We work with builders to curate pieces that fit seamlessly into interiors and that are custom created to fit each opportunity and space; this is ideal as everything can be chosen and created with intention and purpose."
From new builds to yachts already on the water, she adds: "We find perfect pieces to evolve an onboard collection. Work can be hung on the wall or sculptures purposely placed on bookshelves, credenzas, wherever there may be a spot to place something beautiful." Beyond aesthetics, there are further practicalities to consider. The natural movement of yachts and the guests onboard means pieces need to be secured, even more so for when weather conditions can impact further movement. "Sculptures will often be bolted or glued down, and artwork is normally secured with an L-bracket or additional support to ensure it doesn't move," she explains.
Maintenance And Protection
From accidental damage, saltwater air, humidity, and UV rays, there are many factors to consider when protecting art onboard a superyacht. As the majority of yachts cruise in areas where sunlight is frequent, such as the Caribbean, the gallery anticipates the environmental needs and always uses specialized anti-reflective and museum-quality framing to help protect art, while positioning is critical to protecting against harsh UV rays. The humidity in locations such as the Caribbean can also be a potential problem; today, superyachts have advanced climate controls to ensure, as well as comfort, that interior spaces do not risk artwork damage.
Due to the popularity of having art onboard, many interior crew are now trained to look after artworks. Space Gallery also works closely with the crew when installing and providing care guideline documentation alongside the art. "A huge amount of detail goes into art onboard; it isn't just aesthetic priorities but also that it is secured, safe, and can be enjoyed without risk," she says.
Additional Measures
As a luxury yacht is meticulously maintained and insured, the same principles must be applied to the art. Having the correct insurance and security is vital for artwork onboard a yacht. General superyacht insurance isn't likely to cover additional valuable items like artwork. Therefore, separate or adjusted policies may be necessary.
Other geographical and legal issues can also arise when a superyacht carries art, such as custom-related and tax implications. IYC ensures that clients can always access the correct specialists when dealing with the artwork onboard a yacht for charter or sale.
We pride ourselves on working with specialists in all facets of the luxury world. Whether you are an avid art collector or simply appreciate the art world, our partnership with Space Gallery ensures that your yachting experience is elevated to new artistic heights.
From custom-created pieces to carefully curated collections, contact us today to learn more.