Last updated: September 29, 2023
I was recently a guest at the Sensei Lanai Four Seasons Hotel in Hawaii. It is owned by Larry Ellison.
I was surprised to see multi-million dollar sculptures all over the property.
Like this one:
And this one:
There are many sculptures by Botero, Lobo, and even a Jeff Koons on the estate.
No children are allowed at this hotel. I guess it makes sense that these ultra-rare works of art could only be displayed here.
These sculptures are tucked away in jungle corners. Or they are displayed in full force near the entrance.
I took dozens of photos that I will share in this article.
How did they get here? I wondered.
And where can I learn more?
Introduction
Larry Ellison is the co-founder of Oracle, a major software company.
He’s an avid art collector and owns 98% of the Hawaiian island of Lanai.
The Sensei Lanai Four Seasons Hotel Resort has on display several sculptures from Ellison’s art collection.
I went to visit it in March 2022 with my family. I’ll show you all the sculptures I saw.
I saw sculpture in the Larry Ellison collection by:
- Fernando Botero,
- Balthasar Lobo,
- Jeff Koons,
- Robert Indiana,
- Jaume Plense,
- Marc Quinn,
- and many more!
Video Tour
You can see many of these sculptures in this long video tour of the Sensei Lanai property that I filmed on YouTube. Skip to 38:29 to see Burning Desire, the red flower.
Please note that this video is primarily a tour of the hotel property overall. I filmed it for prospective visitors of the Sensei Lanai. But you can see the Koons, Boteros, and other famous artwork throughout.
Sculpture Highlights
These are some of the featured works in the Larry Ellison Sculpture Collection at the Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Hotel Resort.
Aphrodite by Jeffrey Koons
Burning Desire by Marc Quinn
2003, bronze
- This looks almost Ferrari red, but is actually classified as “London bus red.”
- Rather explicit, even in the title: “Burning Desire.”
- The artist has a connection to blood 🩸
Talaia by Jaume Plensa
2016, fiberglass-reinforced polyester & marble dust
- Fun fact: This enormous sculpture arrived in over 7 different shipping containers!
Fernando Botero
- Sculptures by Botero are very expensive, even though he is quite prolific.
- All of the Boteros at Sensei Lanai in Ellison’s collection are washed and waxed four times per year.
Adam and Eve by Fernando Botero
2003, bronze
Donna Seduta by Fernando Botero
2001, bronze
Reclining Woman by Fernando Botero
1993, bronze
Woman on Horse by Fernando Botero
2011, bronze
Dancers by Fernando Botero
2012, bronze
Reclining Woman by Fernando Botero
1992, bronze
Reclining Woman by Fernando Botero
2003, bronze
Balthasar Lobo
Jeune Fille Se Coiffant by Balthasar Lobo
1998, bronze
L’llle du Levant by Balthasar Lobo
1991, bronze
Piece d’Eau by Balthasar Lobo
1972-73, bronze
L’lle du Levant by Balthasar Lobo
1991, bronze
Grande Jeune Fille by Balthasar Lobo
1993, bronze
Other Sculptures
These were all on view at the Sensei Lanai as of March 2022.
Cocoface by Guillaume Castel
2016, corten steel and paint
The Heart of Rivers by Jaume Plensa
2016, bronze
- Depending on where this artist’s work is installed, the tree type changes.
- These trees are Manila palms.
- Underneath the sculpture that we see, there is a cage around the root ball. It makes the art and the tree very connected.
Cautha by Emily Young
2012, clastic onyx
This is the only stone sculpture on display in the collection right now. It gives off a beautiful glow during sunrise.
Tai Chi Arch by Ju Ming
2000, bronze
Untitled by Joel Shapiro
2014-2017, painted bronze
- Look at these juicy colors!
- The art is fresh from storage and has never been displayed before.
- It has received an epoxy primer and top coat of paint.
- (Something about a “Mixture of a high gloss and a matte,” but I wasn’t listening carefully.)
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art has one, but it is aluminum, different from this.
Imperial Love by Robert Indiana
1996-2006, corten steel
- Larry Ellison owns several more works from this artist.
Do you work at this hotel, or for one of the associated companies? I’d love to come back and learn more about your collection! Email me if you have info about the Ellison sculpture collection in Hawaii. I’m a huge fan.
Pomme d’Hiver by Claude LaLanne
2008, bronze
Map
Conclusion and Resources
I was extremely impressed with the quality of art on display.
For a longer tour of the Sensei Lanai Four Seasons hotel property in Hawaii, see my 51-minute video tour on YouTube here. The sculpture and various artworks are glanced upon throughout.
Thank you to the conservator who led me on a short tour of the property. She explained a lot of the bullet points you see throughout this article.
I would recommend visiting this space to anyone interested in exploring the works!