Brittany Ferries - Salamanca
Two of my large paintings in the Atrium of the “Salamanca”, Brittany Ferries latest eco-friendly ship connecting the UK to Spain.
The Atrium of the “Salamanca”, Brittany Ferries latest ship. Photo by KlunderBie
I am very honored to have my artwork in this incredible Ferry! Brittany Ferries latest ship, Salamanca, promises a smooth and quiet voyage with lower emissions being their first to use LNG (liquefied natural gas). The Ferry goes from Portsmouth UK to Bilbao Spain. On the interior, the design team wanted to embody the sights, sounds and tastes of the region she will serve giving passengers an experience of their destination from the moment they step on board. From delicious food and comfortable cabins, to fine art. I’m honored they chose my large paintings to be featured in the main atrium which embodies the spirit of the city of Salamanca, and Spain in general. My smaller works are also featured in the Portside Forward Lounge. I am thrilled!
Karen Silve’s Paintings: My View IV & My View II. In the Portside Forward Lounge. Photo by KlunderBie
Catherine Querné, Brittany Ferries’ strategy director who was responsible for overseeing the entire project explains “Our ultimate goal is to provide the very best experience on board,” she said. “The beauty of travel by sea is that your holiday starts as soon as you step on board. Our priority is to surround the passenger with authenticity, relaxation and wellbeing. The journey aboard Salamanca will inspire them ahead of their visit to this wonderful destination.”
Catherine Querné’s interior team included Swedish architect/interior designer Richard Nilsson, and artistic advisor Kimberly Poppe.
The Ship’s Atrium Bar
The ship's main bar, Plaza Mayor, echoes the ambience of Salamanca’s vibrant city square - one of the most famous squares in Spain
Along with my large paintings in the sunlit atrium are photographs by Kimberly Poppe and displays by Noémi Biró about Salamanca’s vibrant and historic city.
"Salamanca is a gorgeous city," Poppe says. "It's built from this beautiful yellow-pink sandstone and at night, just as the sun's setting, the whole city is lit up in gold. It's an ancient pre-Roman city, and one of the first universities in Europe is based there, having been founded in 1218.” She continues to say “Our hope is that when you sit down and have a drink in the bar, you’ll be transported to that feeling of relaxing in a Spanish square."
‘Casa de las Meninas’ virtual interactive exhibition. Minina sculpture by Felipao. Photo by KlunderBie
Also included is a virtual interactive exhibition 'Casa de las Meninas'. Drawing inspiration from Spanish culture more generally, the central female figure in Velázquez’s revered painting Las Meninas is an inspiration throughout the ship. There are two large modern Meninas sculptures by highly regarded Spanish pop artist Felipao, and the Dutch artistic and photographic duo Nienke Klunder and Wiglius de Bie, who live in Spain and work together under the KlunderBie banner have provided their own interpretation of Las Meninas.
Another one of my large paintings in the Atrium Bar
Lounges & Restauraunts
My work was chosen for the Portside Forward Lounge, one of many comfortable spaces found on the ship.
Silve Painting: My View III. Photo above: Portside Forward Lounge of the Salamanca by KlunderBie
The interior design team focused on style, comfort and attention to detail everywhere aboard Salamanca with plenty of bright and spacious passenger areas, hosting shops, lounges and cabins.
There’s a huge outside terrace on deck ten replete with dramatic artworks, three playrooms for children, numerous lounges, restaurants and bars and two large shops located in the heart of the ship. She also hosts a private exclusive C-Club lounge offering an assortment of snacks and drinks. Plus, in total there are 343 cabins, all with en-suite bathrooms. Click here to see the entire press release.
Information Lounge: Interior architect, Richard Nilsson. Design on Glass Staircase, Noémi Biró. Photography, Kimberly Poppe.
Many Thanks to Art Consultant Kimberly Poppe! It was such a pleasure to work with her and Catherine! Poppe’s eye and enthusiasm for this project was outstanding! My fellow artists on the ship include:
Atrium Bar - Karen Silve, Kimberly Poppe and Noémi Biró.
Restaurants: Azul - KlunderBie. Tapas - Rubén Sánchez
Lounges: CClub - KlunderBie & Felipao. Info Lounge - Kimberly Poppe, Mark Van Wagner & Noémi Biró, Portside Forward Lounge - Karen Silve
Sundeck - Rubén Sánchez
Casa Meninas - Felipao
Cabins: Club - Kimberly Poppe. Deluxe - Mark Van Wagner
Thank you for reading! Please feel free to forward.
Very warmly,
Karen Silve