Artwork by Guy Harvey depicting the region’s iconic marine creatures, including sailfish, turtles and stingrays, will be featured on one of the world’s biggest cruise ships.
Unlike Michelangelo, who famously spent four years painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the artist won’t have to labor for years to paint his design on to the 1,065-foot canvas of the Norwegian Escape cruise liner.
The shipbuilders use a process known as laser projection to transfer the artwork onto the hull of the 4,200-passenger ship, which is due to launch next year.
Mr. Harvey said he was not daunted by the prospect of his work being displayed on such a large scale.
“Bigger is better as far as I am concerned,” he said. “The fish I paint are the biggest in the ocean, and I was excited to be involved in this. I have tried to include as many of the region’s iconic species as possible.”
An artist’s impression of the design shows whalesharks, turtles, stingrays and reef fish painted across the side of the ship, which will be based in Miami and will tour the Caribbean. A spectacular image of a sailfish adorns the bow.
Mr. Harvey said he hopes the artwork would help raise awareness of the plight of some of the region’s endangered species.
As part of the deal, he will be able to sell his merchandise on board, and Norwegian Cruise lines is partnering with Mr. Harvey’s ocean conservation foundation.
“Guy Harvey is the perfect artist to design Norwegian Escape’s hull artwork because he is so passionate about the sea and his marine artwork is so life-like and well recognized,” Norwegian Cruise Line’s CEO Kevin Sheehan said in a statement. “We also appreciate how [he] is focused on ocean conservation and keeping the marine environment pristine.”
Mr. Harvey added, “The large-scale mural demonstrates the concern and respect that Norwegian and I have for the marine environment through which this ship will travel over the years.”
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