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[Interview] Saatchi Art and Samsung The Frame Art Store Take Virtual Art to a Next Level


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Samsung’s Art Store boasts an extensive library of artwork thanks to its expansive partnerships with artists and galleries around the world. Its partnership with renowned digital art gallery and network Saatchi Art has brought some of the most highly viewed artworks in the Art Store to home, and is one of Samsung’s longest-standing partners since the 2017 launch of The Frame.

 

Art-Store-Saatchi-Art_main1.jpg

Based on the partnership with Saatchi Art, Samsung introduced ‘The Frame X Saatchi Art’ gallery at the London Design Festival in 2017

 

Samsung Newsroom spoke to Sarah Meller, Senior Director of Brand and Marketing Strategy at Saatchi Art, about the partnership and the network’s perspective on digital art and the Art Store, giving you a closer look into the relationship that takes the virtual art world to a new level.

 

 

Q: So, what made you decide to collaborate with the Art Store in the beginning?

 

We wanted to be at the forefront of using technology to bring the art world to people on a global scale. By partnering with The Frame, we felt that it would make art a more integral part of people’s lives, leading to a greater appreciation of it overall, which is such a good thing.

 

 

Q: What piece would you recommend to users to enjoy through The Frame’s Art Mode?

 

It’s difficult to pick just one. Saatchi Art’s chief curator, Rebecca Wilson, chose several art pieces for The Frame that stand as a testament to the TV’s versatility. They are as diverse and equally stunning as each other, and include everything from Claire Desjardin’s abstract paintings to Dean West’s fine art landscape photography.

 

If I had to choose a few, I would recommend:

 

Art-Store-Saatchi-Art_main2.jpg

 

  • Dancer: Gama #0 by Cody Choi: The contemporary photographer and choreographer who is best known for his stunning, figurative portraits of dancers in motion. As a dancer himself, Cody can masterfully capture the dynamism and passion of his subjects.

 

Art-Store-Saatchi-Art_main3.jpg

 

  • Boomerang House by Cécile Van Hanja: She is best known for her abstracted renditions of modern architectural spaces. Cécile’s paintings depicting homes and pools immediately transport guests to mid-century spaces.

 

Art-Store-Saatchi-Art_main4.jpg

 

  • Winter Warm II by Sandy Dooley: She is an impressionist artist who spontaneously splatters paint with vibrant hues that characterize her harmonious landscapes, inspired by memories of growing up in the English countryside.

 

 

Q: How do you think the Art Store has evolved since you first partnered with Samsung? What are some of the improvements that stand out the most?

 

Since we partnered with the Art Store in 2017, its selection has grown tremendously, which has been very inspiring. It’s been wonderful to see iconic institutions like the Musée du Louvre join in and bring museum-quality art into the homes of viewers around the world.

 

 

Q: How has Saatchi Art evolved since you first partnered with Samsung?

 

At Saatchi Art, we support our artists as they explore emerging mediums and styles. We have been increasing our offerings in the digital art and NFT space. And we are thrilled because not only do NFTs offer real practical benefits to artists, but also give them a new medium in which to express their creativity. We are excited to evolve our mission into this space.

 

 

Q: How do you feel about technology changing the way in which people appreciate art?

 

Technology has provided us with many benefits when it comes to the arts. While real-life art experiences will never go away, nor should they, technological advances like the ones shown through the Art Store are transforming the way people access and consume art. Ultimately, these changes lead to more democratization, more diversity, more experimentation and more creativity.

 

Another benefit of The Frame is the lighting and the subsequent colors it creates. Lighting is so key when it comes to displaying art. The fact that The Frame can automatically adjust the screen’s brightness as lighting conditions change helps to maintain the natural colors of the artworks, ensuring a great viewing experience for consumers.

 

To see art from this partnership with Saatchi Art, head to the Art Store on The Frame.

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      I worked exclusively with film for most of my career, but I have fully embraced digital technology these days. While it hasn’t changed the way I see my work or the way I photograph, technology has undoubtedly altered the process — allowing me to work in much lower light and more complex situations than I could in the past. Nonetheless, the same truths apply to any image regardless of the technique that went into crafting it. There’s impermanence about all things and nostalgia about things in the past — but I prefer to look to the future.
       
       
      Q: How does the digital format of The Frame compare to other platforms where you have shared your work, such as galleries, museums or even magazine covers?
       
      Each medium has its advantages. Digital art is virtually permanent, and exposure to heat and light doesn’t affect color — but the medium can be a matter of personal preference. Many museums are supplementing their exhibitions with multi-media presentations, merging different formats. It will be interesting to see what the future holds since technology is evolving every day.
       
      The Frame is a wonderful way to see pictures in a more intimate home setting. I remember getting off a plane and seeing one of my pictures on a huge screen at JFK Airport in New York. It was surreal to see my work enjoyed by thousands of people passing through the terminal. Similarly, The Frame allows people to view art more comfortably — adding a new dimension to the experience.
       
       
      Q: In this digital age where most people use their phones as cameras, how do you see the role of professional photographers evolving?
       
      The medium, platform or technology — whether it’s Instagram, digital or film — is not important. Successful photography has to be about telling stories and being creative, having your own interpretation and voice to say what is important to you and conveying those emotions through your photographs.
       
       
      Q: What is next for you in the coming year?
       
      I will soon be traveling to Antarctica and working on a new book of short stories.
       
      Visit the Samsung Art Store in The Frame to see more of Steve McCurry’s work.
       
       
      1 (In Kashmir) A light, flat-bottomed houseboat.
      View the full article
    • By Samsung Newsroom
      Few artists are as well known and beloved as Vincent van Gogh. From “Almond Blossom” and “Sunflowers” to his iconic self-portraits and striking impressionist works, Van Gogh is recognized worldwide for his use of bold colors and dramatic brush strokes. Housing the largest collection of Van Gogh’s art in the world, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is dedicated to the work of both the artist and his contemporaries.
       
      ▲ The Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
       
      Samsung Newsroom sat down with Jordy Howldar, Head of Business Development Asia at the Van Gogh Museum, to discuss how technology is preserving Van Gogh’s legacy for future generations and how the partnership with Samsung Art Store has enhanced art accessibility.
       
       
      Democratizing Access to Art With Samsung Art Store
      Q: Could you give us an overview of your role at the Van Gogh Museum?
       
      As Head of Business Development Asia at the Van Gogh Museum, I am responsible for partnerships and licensing in Asia. My work primarily involves building the museum’s presence within the Asian market, collaborating with notable brands to expand reach and managing these partnerships to ensure they align with the values and goals of the Van Gogh Museum.
       
      Q: The relationship between Samsung Art Store and the Van Gogh Museum dates back to 2018. Since then, has the museum changed how it selects art pieces to feature in Samsung Art Store?
       
      Our approach when selecting art pieces for Samsung Art Store has evolved since 2018. Now, we carefully consider the preferences and trends among global audiences and aim to showcase a diverse collection of Van Gogh’s work that resonates with different cultures and tastes. Over the years, Van Gogh’s art has become immensely popular with The Frame users — as both his famous pieces and lesser-known works have attracted massive viewership.
       
      ▲ “Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat” (1887)
       
      Q: What is the significance of making Van Gogh’s work available to large audiences through a platform like Samsung Art Store?
       
      Platforms such as Samsung Art Store democratize access to art, allowing people to experience Van Gogh’s creativity without needing to travel. In addition, his pieces are exposed to new audiences who might not otherwise have the opportunity to engage with them.
       
       
      Half a Century of Immortalizing Artistic Excellence
      Q: How is the Van Gogh Museum celebrating its 50th anniversary?
       
      To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the museum is organizing special exhibitions, events and educational programs to reflect on past achievements and anticipate future contributions to the art world. We encourage everyone to join the celebrations by attending our collaborations and exhibitions — such as the one with Pokémon which runs until January 2024. Earlier this year, we held the Sunflower Art Festival to celebrate the anniversary.
       
      ▲ “Sunflowers” (1889)
       
      Q: What are some of the most memorable or significant moments in the Van Gogh Museum’s 50-year history?
       
      For our first anniversary, the museum held an exhibition for visitors to explore the history of the institute. Without the unconditional support from the Van Gogh family, the museum simply would not exist.
       
      Q: Of the pieces selected for Samsung Art Store, which ones would you recommend users display on The Frame?
       
      The first would be “Wheatfield Under Thunderclouds,” a striking painting illustrating a dark, brooding sky and a golden wheatfield. When displayed on The Frame, the dramatic contrast captures the emotional intensity and turbulence that Van Gogh originally felt.
       
      ▲ “Wheatfield Under Thunderclouds” (1890)
       
      Next, I’d recommend “Fishing Boats on the Beach at Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.” The vibrant blue shades of the sea and sky juxtaposed against the colorful boats makes this painting ideal for The Frame. The screen’s ability to render vibrant colors brings the scene to life, enhancing the painting’s lively and dynamic nature.
       
      ▲ “Fishing Boats on the Beach at Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer” (1888)
       
      My third pick would be “Landscape at Twilight,” a painting depicting a twilight sky and rural landscape. The Frame’s display accurately captures these subtle nuances in colors — making the idyllic piece a calming addition to any room.
       
      ▲ “Landscape at Twilight” (1890)
       
       
      Preserving Legacy With Technology
      Q: How has technology impacted the Van Gogh Museum since its opening in 1973?
      Our mission is to inspire diverse audiences with the art and life of Vincent van Gogh, and we are always searching for new ways to do so. As such, we’ve incorporated new technologies both inside the museum and online to further preserve Van Gogh’s legacy for future generations.
       
      Q: How does The Frame elevate the viewing experience of art?
      The focus of the museum has always been to showcase our expansive Van Gogh collection. Offering this collection of masterpieces on The Frame gives users an opportunity to enjoy Vincent van Gogh’s world-famous paintings from home. Of course, we hope people will also be inspired to come and enjoy the art in person at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam as well.
       
      Q: In December, Samsung Art Store will feature a curated Van Gogh collection called “Van Gogh in Winter.” What can viewers expect to see in this collection?
      We are thrilled to bring a carefully crafted selection of artwork to Samsung Art Store. Each masterpiece — from the vivid “The Bedroom” to the serene “Snow-Covered Field with a Harrow (after Millet)” — encapsulates Van Gogh’s revolutionary use of color and emotive landscapes.
       
      The “Van Gogh in Winter” collection offers a unique window into Van Gogh’s world, showcasing his evolution as an artist and his enduring impact on art history. We invite viewers to immerse themselves in these classic works and experience Van Gogh’s art in a new vibrant, digital format.
       
      ▲ “The Bedroom” (1888)
       
      ▲ “Snow-Covered Field with a Harrow (after Millet)” (1890)
       
      Q: Are there any upcoming events at the museum?
      Visitors can enjoy the special “Pokémon x Van Gogh Museum” activities in the museum until January 7, 2024. “Matthew Wong l Vincent van Gogh: Painting as a Last Resort” will then open in early March — a temporary exhibition inviting attendees to discover the colorful and expressive art of Matthew Wong and his artistic connection with Vincent van Gogh.
       
      Visit Samsung Art Store in The Frame to see more of the Van Gogh collection.
      View the full article





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