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By Samsung Newsroom
Art enthusiasts and everyday consumers alike are constantly searching for new ways to connect with their favorite artist and art collections. The reverse is also true, with art institutions and museums around the world looking for new avenues to engage with art afficionados around the world.
With the rise of digital platforms, the art world has become more accessible than ever before. Samsung Art Store is at the forefront of this revolution, providing a platform for art lovers to enjoy an extensive library of stunning artwork in the comfort of their own homes.
Samsung Newsroom sat down with Cristina Alovisetti, General Manager of Museo Nacional Del Prado Difusion (Museo del Prado’s commercial company), to explore the relationship between in-person art experiences and digital displays. The Prado Museum is one of the most renowned art galleries and the longest standing partners of the Art Store.
In this Q&A, we will dive into how art enthusiasts and institutions can benefit from digital art platforms and ultimately, how a combination of in-person art experiences and new technologies can inspire and offer new avenues of approach for artist and creatives.
▲ Museo Nacional Del Prado
Samsung Art Store X Prado Museum: An Enduring Partnership
Q: For those who are not familiar with the partnership, can you tell us a bit about Museo Nacional Del Prado and your role at the museum?
The Prado Museum is one of the most prestigious art galleries in the world. Its permanent collection is essential in comprehending the evolution of European art and its most notable artists such as Velázquez, Bosch, Rubens and Titian. The museum’s international presence is also evident via its collaborations with other international institutions as well as its global digital footprint — including its website, social media channels and apps.
As the general manager of the museum’s commercial company, I am proud to be a part of this institution since its creation in 2006. Our company’s primary goal is to promote the Museo del Prado brand, its collection and intellectual property rights while also contributing to the museum’s funding. We strive to establish a consistent and robust identity while creating partnerships that help us reach broader audiences.
Q: Can you tell us more about how the partnership with Samsung Art Store came about and what benefits you see in the collaboration?
We began collaborating with Samsung Art Store at the start of our gallery project upon the invitation from the Samsung Electronics Spain team. We were lucky enough to have participated in the 2017 inaugural presentation of the Frame’s partnerships in Berlin. Since then, we have continued to work together, updating and enriching our partnership.
I believe the Art Store is an intelligent and respectful concept that values the artwork and the institution responsible for it. It represents a digital advancement that seamlessly harmonizes with our daily lives and habits. With this platform, I can discover and appreciate art in a convenient and accessible way. I can learn about the artists and their work and share my discoveries with others, which is a great benefit to the end users.
Assessing the Current State of Digital Art Platforms
Q: Digital art platforms have been gaining popularity as they provide accessible and enjoyable ways for users to own and appreciate artwork in their own homes. What direction do you see this trend taking and how do you think it will impact the art industry?
The Samsung Art Store is an innovative platform that offers users a unique way to enjoy and access works of art from the comfort of their own homes. By providing a platform to view images of artwork, paintings, photography and more, the Art Store has made it easier for collectors to own and appreciate art.
This technology could potentially have a significant impact on the art industry by providing new avenues for individuals to access and engage with art. The Art Store has the potential to integrate with personal environments and provide new opportunities for art collectors to showcase their collections.
Overall, the increasing popularity of digital art platforms like the Samsung Art Store is likely to have a positive impact on the art industry by making art more accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience.
Q: What differences do you see between showcasing the artwork in-person vs. digitally on the Frame?
That is a great question. First, I think it’s important to note that we are talking about displaying images of artwork, not the artworks themselves. The way in which the viewer experiences the artwork will depend on whether it can evoke the same emotions as the original piece. While digital displays cannot replace the experience of seeing a Velázquez painting in person, it does offer the convenience of accessing and displaying high-quality images of these artworks in our own homes.
Furthermore, being able to integrate digital artwork into our living spaces, just as we do with furniture or decorative objects, adds a new dimension to the way we experience and appreciate art. It offers new possibilities for enjoying and sharing art in our everyday lives and this is a great thing.
Q: Have you observed any noteworthy trends or patterns in the way people engage with the museum’s online collections?
It is fascinating to see how the public responds to the images displayed in the Art Store. The audience seems to be drawn towards decorative aesthetic and current trends influenced by other media, mirroring the purchasing patterns observed in our museum shops.
Q: Can you share with us some of the most memorable pieces from your collection that are currently featured in the Art Store?
Here are some carefully selected works from a diverse range of works from various painters, styles and themes spanning across different decades. These pieces showcase a range of subjects, from powerful portraits and mythological dances to exquisite details of flower catalogues, offering a glimpse into the beauty and richness of art history.
▲ Las Meninas (1656) by Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez (cropped for detail)
Las Meninas is undoubtedly the best-known painting in the Museo del Prado and Velázquez’s most famous work. It is also the one which best sums up the characteristics of his art. In a large room of the Alcázar in Madrid, we see the Infanta Margarita, whose detail we can see in this image, flanked by two maids of honor or meninas.
The picture has been interpreted in several ways. The centrality of the infanta Margarita and the reflection of the king and queen in the mirror appear to point to a political and dynastic significance. The presence of Velázquez in the same environment as the king, queen and infanta, and bearing the cross of the Order of Santiago and the chamberlain’s key as attributes of his social status, presumably constitutes a validation of his nobility and that of painting itself.
▲ The Garden of Earthly Delights Triptych (1490-1500) by Hieronymus Bosch
The Central panel, with the four rivers of the world on the horizon, situates the scene on Earth. Carnal desire, represented by beautiful naked women and symbolized by an array of red fruit, becomes mankind’s driving force. The various earthly pleasures to which mankind yields instinctively and unconsciously are illustrated symbolically or specifically. The central panel depicts a Paradise that deceives the senses, a false Paradise given over to the sin of lust.
▲ Dance of Mythological Characters and Villagers (1630-1635) by Pieter Paul Rubens
A group of peasants dance in agitated frenzy, accompanied by a flutist in a tree. The scene takes place in a landscape that recalls Italy, especially the villa in the background, whose shapes resemble those of the architect, Andrea Palladio.
▲ Hollyhocks (1872-1873) by Mariano Fortuny y Marsal (cropped for detail)
Fortuny enjoyed painting flowers in bloom in his scenes. Attracted by their colors, he also made separate studies of them. His favorites were hollyhocks on account of their pleasing hues and the elegant verticality of their stalks, which is accentuated by the format used here. As the background is devoid of references, their corollas appear to float in an indeterminate space, with varying degrees of finish, and the ground layer is visible in some areas of the canvas.
Exploring the Intersection of Art and Technology
Q: What impact do you think recent technological advancements have had on artists, their creative process and the finished artwork?
From my perspective, artists have been introduced to a whole universe of new technological tools, which may influence their creative process to varying degrees, depending on their individual preferences. There are some exceptional artists who have embraced digital tools to create amazing works. In my view, these advancements offer endless opportunities for artists, whether through new artwork or collaborations or both.
Q: How can technology be used to make art more accessible and inclusive to a wider audience?
Undoubtedly, digital technology has the potential to greatly expand the reach of art beyond physical spaces, allowing it to be appreciated in different languages and contexts. For example, many people who are unable to attend exhibitions can still appreciate works of art through digital access. Further, digital art platforms such as Samsung Art Store enable individuals to build their own “collection” at home, making art more accessible and inclusive to a wider audience.
Visit the Samsung Art Store in The Frame to explore more of Prado Museum’s collection.
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By Samsung Newsroom
The Terrace — Samsung’s versatile and durable outdoor TV is featured right at the center of the Postojna Cave Park, Slovenia — the world’s most captivating cave with magnificent formations and diverse fauna. During the unforgettable visit to a fascinating subterranean paradise shaped by tiny droplets over millions of years, more than one million visitors each year will be able to closely observe, through The Terrace, the life of very unique inhabitants of the cave — the olms. Olms have triggered people’s imagination since time immemorial, and legend has it that they are actually baby dragons. They remain something of a mystery even today and are considered the largest cave-dwelling animal that can go without food for up to 10 years and live up to 100 years.
The olms are now gaining greater attention after The Terrace (65-inch) were installed inside the cave. The Terrace provides visitors with an immersive experience by allowing them to closely observe the olms and their habitat. Moreover, The Terrace is the perfect TV to be placed even in the cave, where the humidity is always high and temperatures are constantly low (around 10 degrees Celsius). This outdoor TV has obtained the IP55 certification from the International Electrotechnical Commission for water and dust resistance. It can also withstand different weather conditions, even when the temperate drops as low as minus 31° to 50° Celsius (minus 24° to 122° Fahrenheit).
Postojna Cave Park frequently hosts many diverse events, from gala concerts to spectacular performances by world-renowned artists. The Terrace can also be used to display other types of content. It is especially fitting, because it offers high visibility thanks to its anti-reflection technology, which reduces the reflection of light off of its surface. The AI picture quality optimization technology adjusts the screen’s brightness automatically, based on changing light conditions.
The Terrace will for sure enhance the visitor’s experience of the underworld and its inhabitants. “Samsung The Terrace added to our dedication to showcase the world-renowned attraction and to preserve the olms. Our efforts were recognized by the E.U. Commission, which has placed Postojna Cave among the top finalists of the international competition Natura 2000,” said Katja Dolenc Batagelj, Managing Director of Postojna Cave.
“We are pleased that Samsung can be a part of the Postojna Cave experience which is about preserving the environment and natural wonders for future generations. We hope The Terrace will allow visitors to have a vivid and immersive experience,” said Matija Savnik, the Head of Samsung Slovenia CE Sales team.
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By Samsung Newsroom
We live in an era where digital technology and art coexist. Samsung has been offering curated art selections since 2017, with The Frame Art Store providing access to an expansive range of artworks from world-renowned galleries and museums.
On Samsung Neo QLED, the company is partnering with Jibin Im, a pop artist, to display a wide selection of his artworks. Im has been transforming ordinary spaces into galleries and delivering art to audiences with minimal access to art galleries — calling the concept ‘Art Delivery’.
Samsung’s Newsroom sat down with Jibin Im, who actively interacts with the public who views his art.
▲ Pop artist Jibin Im
‘Art Delivery’ Provides a Close Connection and Positive Influence
Im realizes that lately it has been difficult to visit museums in person, which is why he started to engage in his ‘Art Delivery’ project. By installing his art in ordinary settings like street corners and bus stops, everyone can truly enjoy art anywhere at any given time. The artist’s approach aligns with Samsung’s ‘Screens Everywhere’ vision, which drives the company’s goal to provide content and information to customers anytime and anywhere through screen that fits various lifestyles.
Recently, Im has exhibited an installation inspired by ‘BE@RBRICK’, a bear-shaped toy that has become a symbol of modern expression. “BE@RBRICK’s characteristics of constant transformation into various forms and value depending on added elements are quite similar to how people in the modern society are,” he added.
The Stunning Technology of Quantum Mini LED Reveals Every Hidden Detail and Color in Art
Im, who carefully curates colors to represent a spectrum of emotions in his art, is looking forward to showing his work on Samsung QLEDs. He says, “Neo QLED delicately adjusts screen brightness, bringing life-like pictures at its intended color and texture to the miniscule level of details.” Im mixes his own colors and is extremely sensitive to color tone, and Neo QLED meets his standards in color display.
The Quantum Mini LED technology in Samsung QLEDs reveals not only fine details on screen but also a wide spectrum with thousands of colors. As a testament to its accurate color reproduction, Samsung’s all new 2022 QLED models received the world’s first ‘Pantone Validated’ certification from Pantone for its accurate expression of 2,030 Pantone colors and the newly added 110 skin tone shades.
Since Im uses a great deal of color in his artworks, they look breathtaking on Samsung QLEDs through the power of Mini LED technology. He mentioned how he “[uses] a wide array of colors to evoke different emotions and exude a certain type of energy in [his] works,” ultimately to convey the multitude of feelings that we experience in everyday life. “Samsung Neo QLED is the best device that will perfectly display the color and texture I want to express,” he added.
Im says he is looking forward to kickstarting various projects in Korea and hopefully reaching audiences across the globe. His artworks will be shown on Samsung’s 2022 Neo QLED (QN85).
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By Samsung Newsroom
Over the years, Samsung has delivered a broad range of high-fidelity audio solutions for a variety of experiences and living space set-ups. In a time when consumers have access to an endless range of content, Samsung’s devices, televisions and viewing solutions are playing a role in more and more facets of people’s lives.
Earlier this year, Samsung Electronics introduced the world’s first 11.1.4 channel soundbar, which helps bring consumers right into the midst of the action with rich, room-filling sound. And it has been Samsung’s relentless audio innovation over the years that has helped bring about the high-end technology and consumer experiences we enjoy today. This innovation is underpinned by a focus on research and development and emerging content formats, as well as a willingness to adapt to consumer feedback and behavior.
In 2016, Samsung released its HW-K950 soundbar, which transformed static sound into three-dimensional formats to allow users to enjoy sound that moves up and down and from left to right. Since then, Samsung has invested in expanding these features, which have now been enhanced to deliver technology that measures room acoustics and delivers richer auditory experiences and sleeker designs. Below, Samsung Newsroom takes a closer look at the captivating experiences delivered by the new soundbar’s upgrades and technological features.
The Inaugural 11.1.4-Channel Soundbar
The newly-released HW-Q950A soundbar delivers a more advanced 11.1.4–channel setup to provide a more vivid surround sound effect in action–packed scenes like those involving car chases and airplanes in flight. By using only four speakers (a main soundbar speaker, a subwoofer, and two rear speakers), Samsung’s 2021 HW-Q950A soundbar produces a standard of high-quality sound that other premium AV receivers would need double the power and number of inputs to match.
Just a few years ago, only high-end, multi-component home theater setups allowed for immersive sound experiences that produced 3D surround sound. But now, with the release of Samsung’s HW-Q950A soundbar and its 11.1.4–channel sound, users can enjoy realistic audio with only their soundbar.
But what exactly do these channel numbers mean? A two-channel system consists of a stereo with two speakers on the left and right, while a three-channel system adds an additional speaker to this two-channel setup for crisper audio output. 3.1–channel setups feature an additional subwoofer (the .1 channel) for low frequency sounds, while 5.1-channel systems add rear speakers to deliver enhanced sound that extends behind viewers. The 5.1.4–channel setup seen in soundbars includes two additional height channel speakers that produce three-dimensional surround sound to deliver the sound of objects moving off-screen.
In 2016, Samsung launched the HW-K950 soundbar, which was the first to deliver a 5.1.4–channel setup and three-dimensional surround sound. Then, the HW-N950 model released in 2018 delivered 7.1.4–channel sound by adding a surround channel to the side of the soundbar. Today, the HW-Q950T model delivers a 9.1.4–channel system by adding a wide surround channel that delivers sound from the front and sides of the viewer for a 360-degree audio experience.
Improving Sound Through Calibration
In typical home viewing setups, depending on the size of the room, sounds often reflect off walls, ceilings and floors, which can cause the audio to sound different than intended. In order to reduce such disparities, Samsung has developed the SpaceFit Sound feature, which harmonizes audio levels and contributes to sounds being delivered as they were originally developed in production.
Recognizing the size and reverberation characteristics of the room, select Samsung soundbars utilize the built-in microphone and DSP in QLED TVs to deliver optimal sound. This collaboration feature is available in soundbar models HW-Q700A and above and QLED TV models Q70A and above from this year.
What’s more, the Samsung soundbar models above the HW-Q900A also include the Auto EQ feature, which analyzes surrounding spaces with a built-in microphone mounted on the subwoofer instead of using the TV microphone. This offers optimized sound by calibrating excessively amplified low frequencies and sounds that are offset by other audio. This feature doesn’t require use of an active TV microphone, is available across all TV models and is an ideal fit for both older and newer televisions.
S Series Soundbars Add Central Speaker for Room-filling Sound
The new S Series Soundbar includes a central speaker and now boasts five channels compared to the four-channel systems in existing models.
This series, which is popular with consumers for its minimalist design and smooth finishes, is the perfect addition to any living room. When groups of viewers watch TV without a central speaker, those sitting near the edges of the room can often only hear the sounds closest to them. Now, with the addition of the central speaker, consumers can enjoy room-filling, immersive audio that replicates a cinema-style environment.
Going forward, Samsung Electronics is also planning to incorporate its Q-Symphony technology in an increasing number of its products. This technology provides realistic 3D sound to allow consumers to enjoy even more immersive audio across a broad range of content.
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By Samsung Newsroom
We continue to celebrate the top performing apps in creativity, quality, design, and innovation, as we interview winners of our Best of Galaxy Store Awards. Today, we're talking with Alexandr Kovalev about how he creates dials (watch faces) for the Galaxy Watch.
How did you start designing watch faces?
I first bought a Samsung Gear S2 watch at the end of 2016. When I found out about the GWD program (now Galaxy Watch Studio), I immediately wanted to draw my own dial. At first it was not easy, because I never studied as a designer.
I began to slowly study Photoshop. In 2017, I made my first submission to the Galaxy Store. After I saw it in the Galaxy Store, it inspired me even more. Since then, I am constantly learning something new, and it seems to me that this training will never end. But the most important thing is that the design of the dials gives me really great joy.
As the Best of Galaxy Store Awards Winner for Best Watch Face Design for Summer Vacation, tell us what went into this design and why it stood out amongst the crowd?
This design, like my other work, came about spontaneously. I have no initial or ready-made projects. Each of my dials is born in the course of work in Galaxy Watch Studio and Photoshop. Therefore, I can redraw the finished work dozens of times, as if bringing it to the ideal state. I painted Summer Vacation for the summer season. I really looked forward to the summer, and it inspired me. I wanted to create something colorful and beautiful for Galaxy Watch users, so that everyone who downloaded this watch would be in a better mood after looking at it. After all, we all love summer and holidays!
You have a new pro version of Summer Vacation. How have you evolved Summer Vacation with this new version
I have a new version of Summer Vacation; it's name is WFP211 WEATHER TIME PRO. In this dial, I tried to improve the design and quality, as well as optimize battery consumption. I added the temperature in degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit on the same dial (earlier they were two different versions, which confused users and often they downloaded the wrong version).
As for me, the new version turned out to be more interesting, but my opinion does not always coincide with the opinion of a huge audience of users. Over time, it will become known how much my efforts will be justified in front of users.
What are key features of a good watch face design?
In fact, the main thing is everything! The quality of each detail should be perfect, given that the screen resolution of the watch is only 360 pixels. Readability is very important, while the dial must be optimized for minimal power consumption. The Always On Display (AOD) mode also plays a huge role, as experience has shown that many users often use the AOD mode, but only occasionally the main mode. I spend a lot of time until I send the dial to the store, because you need to test it yourself. And only when my work suits me do I send it for testing. It is also important to record video reviews in the Galaxy Store, because only on a video review can users can see what it really looks like and appreciate it.
Your brand Watch Face Production (WFP) includes Luxury Pro, Techno, and Plasma watch faces, all with an exceptional look and feel. How do you come up with new designs to support the continued growth and evolution of your brand?
As I wrote above, I do not have any blanks or projects drawn on paper. An idea is born in my head, and I sketch out Photoshop as soon as possible. After that comes the development of the idea. I constantly upload my project to my watch and can watch it for some time, sorting through the thoughts in my head, and so on until the design suits me.
After that, the second stage begins - this is quality, functionality, and optimization. Almost all of my dials are really very functional, almost everything changes in them - arrows, backgrounds, glow, and much more. This significantly affects the battery consumption, but the user can customize the dial as they like, for any clothes and mood. I think this is very important.
How do you maintain the quality of your watch face designs?
I try not to be like others. Each of my works should have a highlight. It should be something not ordinary and not standard. There are thousands of thoughts in my head, but unfortunately many of them are not yet feasible in Galaxy Watch Studio. I hope that with every update of the tool, I will be able to translate my ideas into reality.
Your designs have received great ratings and reviews, including third party watch face reviews from Huck's World. How much does user feedback factor into the designs you create?
Thanks to the Huck's World Channel for its work! It makes excellent video reviews for all users.
Feedback is very important for any developer in any field of activity, because this is the only way we can understand, take into account, and further realize the wishes of users and correct our shortcomings!
You employ various marketing strategies including social media promotions. Can you share the channels and resources you use to market your watch faces?
Yes, I have pages and chats in almost all social networks that I know of. Just recently, I had my own website where users can see all my new products. In the development of marketing and promotion on social networks, I work with a team, these are great guys who are also dial designers.
What have you found to be successful in marketing your watch faces?
I cannot consider something more successful than another. In each country, people use different social networks, some places use Facebook more, and other places use Reddit. Therefore, it is important to be visible everywhere. When my new work appears in the store, I can spend several hours until I send alerts to all sources.
How does the Galaxy Store badge support your marketing strategy?
It is very convenient, short, and clear! There is no set of obscure characters in each link, as it was before. In addition, I can see the number of clicks on the link, which allows me to understand the interest of users of one or another of my work.
How has the Samsung Developer Program supported your journey and growth as a watch face designer?
I express my deep gratitude to each member of the team that has worked and is working with me so far! To all the questions that interest me, I instantly received not only answers, but also often useful tips. Each team member is professional in their field.
What advice do you have for new designers looking to create a successful watch face business?
Strive, and you will succeed! Maybe not right away, but study your business, and do not rush. There is no need to take pictures from the Internet and with the addition of arrows or digital time put it in the store. And most importantly, it should give you joy. First of all, this should be your hobby, as for most famous designers.
What is next for WFP?
Next, only the development and study of the future functionality of Galaxy Watch Studio, Photoshop, and other programs that allow you to create masterpieces for the Galaxy Store.
Thanks to Alexandr Kovalev for sharing his insights on how to design and promote award-winning watch faces. Follow our Twitter @samsung_dev for more developer interviews and tips for building games, apps, and more for the Galaxy Store. Find out more about our Best of Galaxy Store Awards.
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