Report

Samsung Art Store is a subscription service that enables owners of The Frame to continuously transform any space with over 2,500 pieces of digital art, including works from the most renowned artists, museums and industry tastemakers. It brings the experience of an art gallery directly into the home in a 4K frame that is a TV when on, and an art display when it’s off.
 
Samsung Art Store is designed to effortlessly accentuate home décor, serving as a premium versatile art display. Users can transform their private spaces to reflect changing styles, displaying from renowned classic masterpieces, remarkable contemporary artworks to professionally curated collections selected by the Samsung Art Store curator to match any aesthetic.
 
See how Samsung Art Store gives the ease and flexibility to enhance any space for every occasion in the infographic below.
 

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There are no clear answers when appreciating art. Each piece will evoke distinct emotions and elicit different reactions. However, context on the artist or artwork’s inspiration can heighten understanding — so people can admire art on a whole new level.
 
▲ Since 2021, Samsung Newsroom interviewed 35 artists and organizations that partnered with Samsung Art Store
 
Samsung’s art subscription service has brought once distant and inaccessible art into the comfort and intimacy of the home via the company’s lifestyle TV, The Frame. Samsung Art Store has been acclaimed for creating a new paradigm in art consumption by overcoming the physical constraints of traditional art exhibitions and transforming living spaces into galleries.
 
Subscribers have access to over 2,500 works of art presented in 4K resolution, ranging from photographs and illustrations to masterpieces from prestigious galleries and museums.
 
Beginning in 2021, Samsung Newsroom illuminated the stories behind these works of art through interviews with artists and representatives from partnering art organizations. This initiative aimed to enhance the art-viewing experience by conveying each artist’s methods and motivations. Samsung Newsroom revisited the past three years with Samsung Art Store, a digital curator enriching daily life with art.
 
 
35 Samsung Art Store Partners and 35 Distinct Perspectives
Samsung Newsroom interviewed a total of 35 Samsung Art Store artists. From the 2,500 pieces of art available, collections were created based on seasons or collaboration milestones. Artists and partnership representatives were then selected for interviews with these themed curations in mind.
 
The interviews offered Samsung Art Store subscribers a deeper understanding of the art by providing otherwise rarely accessible details about each artist’s life and values. Saya Woolfalk is one artist whose personal story shapes her creativity.
 
▲ (From left) Saya Woolfalk and “Sassafras” (2021)
 
Woolfalk utilizes various mediums including textiles and a combination of traditional print methods and digital print processes. In her interview, she discussed how her unique upbringing significantly shaped her creative world. Born and raised in New York, Woolfalk shared stories of spending summers with her maternal grandmother in Gifu, Japan. Some of her textile collages were inspired by these experiences.
 
▲ (From left) Serge Hamad and “Beach #4” (2011)
 
Serge Hamad, the most recent interviewee, is another artist whose upbringing is vividly reflected in his work. Inspired by the Mediterranean coast where he was born and raised, the “Relax” series marked his debut in fine art photography. In his interview, Hamad discussed how his multicultural North African and Western background influences his artistic vision.
 
▲ (From left) Natasha Durley and “As Mad as a March Hare” (2021)
 
The interviews have also introduced lesser-known artists. Natasha Durley creates vibrant, colorful illustrations inspired by her passion for animals and nature. She even follows biologists on social media for inspiration. In her interview, she revealed that she used to work at a call center before pursuing her dream of becoming an artist.
 
Durley shared that a portion of the proceeds from the collaboration benefits a biodiversity creation non-profit — highlighting Samsung Art Store’s positive impact on the broader ecosystem.
 
 
A Digital Curator Connecting Artists and Audiences Around the World
Samsung Art Store is building an extensive global portfolio of masterpieces that includes artists from diverse cultural backgrounds and artwork spanning various styles. By interviewing partnership representatives from esteemed museums and galleries worldwide, Samsung Newsroom offered Samsung Art Store subscribers behind-the-scenes stories of renowned pieces and tips for deeper appreciation.
 
▲ “Circus Sideshow (Parade de Cirque)” (1878-88) by Georges Seurat from The Metropolitan Museum of Art
 
Viewing historical paintings in digital forms can offer fresh perspectives. Stephen Mannello, Head of Retail and Licensing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), recommended Georges Seurat’s “Circus Sideshow” as a particularly engaging piece to display on The Frame. Other beloved works from The Met’s collection include pieces by Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne, conveying the timeless impact of art across different eras and spaces.
 
▲ “Sunflowers” (1889) by Vincent van Gogh from the Van Gogh Museum
 
Modern art is characterized by artists’ innovative expressions and interpretations that redefine the art world to encompass a spectrum of art styles spanning different eras and fields. Samsung Newsroom showcased some of the best modern and contemporary artists transcending both time and form — from Vincent van Gogh, who heralded the beginning of modern art, to Aerosyn-Lex Mestrovic, who is recognized across various mediums including fashion, film and live art performances.
 
▲ “VERSALIS DRIP MMXXII” (2022) by Aerosyn-Lex Mestrovic
 
Aerosyn-Lex Mestrovic is a prominent multidisciplinary artist renowned for his striking and emotive works, with works exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the White House. In his interview last year, he explained his signature ethereal ink painting technique and his representative work, “VERSALIS DRIP MMXXII.” In addition, Mestrovic recommended his favorite pieces available on Samsung Art Store for those who are unfamiliar with modern art.
 
To broaden the artistic horizons of Samsung Art Store subscribers, Samsung Newsroom introduced a diverse range of photographic artworks — from black-and-white photos to unconventionally angled aerial shots — along with stories from the artists about how they were created.
 
▲ “Vortex” (2009) by Wolf Ademeit
 
Wolf Ademeit, a photographer known for his black-and-white wildlife photographs, highlighted the significant role that luck plays in animal photography during his interview. To capture “Vortex,” he repeatedly visited the zoo for months until the zebra posed perfectly for the shot. Such anecdotes allowed Samsung Art Store subscribers to gain a deeper appreciation for the value and effort embedded in Ademeit’s work.
 
▲ “Red Dunes” (2021) by Palani Mohan
 
Palani Mohan offered a glimpse into the impact of the pandemic during his interview. Spending half of the year on the road capturing various landscapes, he gained a new perspective of Hong Kong and the local environment. Through his representative work “Red Dunes,” Mohan displayed his passion for vibrant colors and photography.
 
▲ “Playa Shoreline” (2015) by Tommy Clarke
 
Tommy Clarke, a world-renowned aerial photographer, underscored the significance of angles in photography during his interview — showcasing fresh perspectives and compositions captured from a helicopter.
 
Artists and representatives praised Samsung Art Store’s strength in overcoming physical constraints. The platform allows subscribers to easily access art from distant continents that might otherwise remain inaccessible while helping artists expand their reach and explore new opportunities.
 
▲ “She Snap” by Manzi Leon
 
The interview with African art organization Artlife Matters introduced previously unfamiliar African art to Samsung Art Store subscribers. Notably, “She Snap” by Manzi Leon expressed the thoughts and feelings of women within his community — sparking imaginations and deepening engagement with the piece.
 
▲ “Axon” (2018) by Logan Hicks
 
Logan Hicks, Samsung Art Store’s first contemporary artist, gained significant attention in his interview. Residing in New York City, he uses multiple layers of stencils to blend urban aesthetics with extreme precision and detail. His work resonates with those nostalgic for New York or wishing to experience the city’s streets for themselves. The collaboration between Hicks and Samsung Art Store is an unprecedented example of overcoming the physical limitations of art appreciation, bringing street art into the homes of subscribers.
 
 
Expanding Art’s Reach With Samsung Art Store
Art continues to transcend physical boundaries to reach a wider global audience — and Samsung Art Store is expanding public access to art by providing a new platform for exhibiting pieces. By using technology to lower the barriers to art appreciation, Samsung will continue to inspire Samsung Art Store subscribers and art enthusiasts everywhere through collaborations and stories.
 
Explore past interviews in the link below. (Note: Some partnerships may have expired. Please check on Samsung Art Store to see latest list of offerings.)
 

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“Walking along the beach takes me back to my childhood, looking at reflections on the water and the way the horizon keeps changing”
— Serge Hamad, photographer
 
Serge Hamad is a visual storyteller whose multifaceted talents as a journalist, photographer and artist have informed the rich tapestry of his work. Having documented sociopolitical issues in war zones earlier in his career as a journalist, he now captures calm and serene seaside images as a photographer. Hamad’s work, including the highly acclaimed “Relax” series, captures tranquility in his signature style and also supports human rights groups with its impact.
 
Born in the Mediterranean, Hamad has been profoundly influenced by his lifelong fascination with the sea. His photography, characterized by comforting and reflective qualities, has gained widespread recognition from global audiences. Since joining Samsung Art Store in 2020, his work has gained an even wider following as people have interacted with his art in new ways.
 
This June, Samsung Art Store added two more of his notable pieces — “Beach #61” in the “Colors of Pride” collection and “Beach #64” in “Hello Summer.”
 
In an interview with Samsung Newsroom, Hamad shared his creative process and how his background and life experiences shape his art, as well as the profound impact his evocative images have had on viewers.
 
▲ Serge Hamad
 
 
An Artist’s Journey
Q: Please describe your journey into the world of visual arts. What inspired you to move in that direction?
 
Earlier in my career, I used photography and videography to document various sociopolitical issues as a war zone journalist. In 2011, I decided to shift my focus to capturing more sincere and lighthearted scenes with my lens.
 
With the “Relax” series,1 my first body of work in fine art, I wanted to share peaceful and placid images with human rights organizations and support them with the proceeds. The public response well surpassed my expectations, so I decided to continue on this path.
 
Q: Your “Relax” series is well known. What inspired you to shoot a series on the beach?
 
I was born on the Mediterranean coast, and the sea has always fascinated me. Walking along the beach takes me back to my childhood. I used to love looking at reflections on the water and the way the horizon kept changing.
 
My multicultural background, being half North African and half Westerner, has profoundly influenced my artistic vision and the themes I explore in my work. This unique blend of cultures allows me to draw from a rich tapestry of traditions and aesthetics, especially when it comes to colors. It has given me a broader perspective, enabling me to see and interpret the world through diverse lenses.
 
Q: How do you make your beach photography so engaging?
 
When it comes to capturing an engaging image, planning and timing are crucial. Planning is more than just checking the weather before a shoot — it’s also about selecting the right filming location. For example, I would go to a beach near a marina if I want a shot of a boat on the horizon. To capture a pelican diving into the sea, I would pick a specific beach and go there an hour before sunset. The rest of the atmosphere depends on human interactions with natural elements.
 
Q: Why does the beach hold so much significance for you?
 
Consistency is my top priority when developing a collection. I started the “Relax” series at the beach because it is one of the most relaxing places on the planet for millions of people, including myself. I enjoy working at the beach because it reminds me of both the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea from my childhood.
 
“I started the ‘Relax’ series at the beach because it is one of the most relaxing places on the planet for millions of people, including myself.”
 
 
Collaborating With Samsung Art Store
Q: How do you choose which pieces to share with Samsung Art Store? What emotions or themes do you wish to share? 
 
I work with Samsung to select pieces that align with a particular themed curation because that way, I can focus on the message delivered to viewers. I strive to convey tranquility and harmony through my pieces on Samsung Art Store.
 
Q: Samsung Art Store featured “Beach #61” and “Beach #64” in its June collections. Can you share the meaning behind these pieces?
 
▲ “Beach #61” (2023)
 
“Beach #61” was shot in California. The rainbow-colored lifeguard house symbolizes tolerance.
 
▲ “Beach #64” (2023)
 
“Beach #64” is more of a friendly invitation for the viewer to follow my footsteps on a walk at the beach.
 
Q: Of all the works you’ve made available on Samsung Art Store, what are your three favorites?
 
I’d have to choose “Beach #4,” “Beach #37” and “Beach #32.” All three photographs show how humans share nature with seabirds.
 
▲ “Beach #4” (2011)
 
“Beach #4” uses a minimalistic approach to convey serenity with natural lines and colors. Before taking this photo, I wondered who would call a taxi to go surfing. It was only when the car approached that I realized it was a lifeguard vehicle.
 
▲ “Beach #37” (2016)
 
I couldn’t resist capturing this scene of a seagull resting on a dune that looked like a charcoal painting.
 
▲ “Beach #32” (2014)
 
Even if the seagulls in “Beach #32” had left and weren’t in the shot, we would still know that they had shared the dune with humans and enjoyed it together. The footprints of both humans and birds on the same dune symbolize their different influences on nature.
 
“Embracing culture in our homes is always a great idea, and The Frame does just that.”
 
 
Embracing the Future
Q: As an artist, how do you feel about the impact of technology on the art world?
 
Technology has always impacted my work and influenced my approach to photography. As a photographer, I use various tools every day to express myself — and different situations and subjects calls for different tools. Improving technology means giving artists more powerful capabilities to express themselves, so I embrace both analog and digital tools.
 
In my opinion, artists in all kinds of disciplines have always benefited from innovations. During my career as a photographer, I have seen the popularization of imaging technology to a level that made it accessible to everyone. I believe this has created new artists and will continue to do so. The main thing to keep in mind, though, is that technology is a tool. The artistic process happens in your own mind.
 
Q: How do you believe your collaboration with Samsung Art Store and The Frame has changed the way people appreciate art in their homes?
 
The Frame is a brilliant concept, making art more accessible to a wider audience. Embracing culture in our homes is always a great idea, and The Frame does just that.
 
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
 
I’m working on a new series called “A table here, a table there.” I plan to spend a few months traveling along the U.S. West Coast to produce it and hope to share the collection by the end of this year.
 
 
1 All the “Beach” artwork on Samsung Art Store are part of the “Relax” series.
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“I hope that my work will allow people to say what is inside their hearts or on their minds when they don’t have the right words.”
 
Carissa Potter describes herself as “a human longing for connection.” Through printmaking, writing and installations, she has pursued this meaningful goal of fostering interpersonal experiences. Her work spans various mediums, capturing the intricacies of such human experiences with emotional depth and resonance.
 
Potter has held residencies at Facebook, Google and the Kala Art Institute in Berkeley, California. Additionally, her pieces have been featured at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) and Urban Outfitters. Through her company, People I’ve Loved, she has expanded her reach to over 600 stores worldwide.
 
Her desire for meaningful connections is apparent in her work — which combines words with drawings to create pieces that deeply resonate with audiences. Samsung Newsroom spoke with Potter about her artistic journey and how she uses art to connect with people.
 
▲ Carissa Potter
 
 
Artistic Identity and Philosophy
Q: Please briefly introduce yourself.
 
I am a person longing for connection. I write books, have conversations, create art installations and process emotions through text and images. My company, People I’ve Loved, has made objects to foster connections between humans and non-humans in Oakland, California, since 2012.
 
 
Q: What inspires you the most in your creative work?
There is so much joy in problem solving and thinking things through by creating something. From a very early age, I have asked myself deep questions that require these types of creative thoughts. What about humans make us want to stick through hard moments? How can meanings exist in a meaningless universe?
 
 
Mirrors of Emotion as Themes and Narratives
Q: Your openness in sharing personal thoughts and emotions adds a special layer of connection to your artwork. How has this transparency shaped your creations?
 
For artwork to be visually interesting, there must be some kind of emotional relationship. I gravitate toward art that is somehow reflective of my own experience — almost like holding up a mirror to a life that I either want or have had. Whenever I make something that is hard, painful or beautiful, I have faith that the piece is comforting someone out there.
 
“Anytime people are open, honest and vulnerable, there is a subconscious invitation for someone to return the sentiment.”
 
In a visual sense, the idea of connection is most directly communicated using words and figuration. So, that is what I tend to lean on — telling stories that we long to hear, but somehow have had a hard time finding due to societal limitations on what we are allowed to feel. The idea that feelings are responses to external stimuli is emotionally liberating. We don’t have to judge ourselves as good or bad — we just exist and that makes us worthy in and of itself.
 
▲ Carissa Potter with her daughter Margaret
 
 
Q: How do viewers typically respond to these deeply personal dimensions?
Anytime people are open, honest and vulnerable, there is a subconscious invitation for someone to return the sentiment. I try hard to give people the benefit of the doubt and understand that I can feel this way and they can feel that way. Both perspectives hold value.
 
Then, when someone says, “I feel that way too,” “I found your work when I was going through something so similar,” or “Your work helped me accept my broken self,” I just feel like a part of something greater than myself.
 
“For artwork to be visually interesting, there must be some kind of emotional relationship.”
 
 
Q: In your discussions on emotional granularity, you mention using art as a release for feelings you might not express otherwise. How does art provide a platform for these emotions?
We often wish to say the right thing or do something better. However, our intentions and actions are so influenced by the situation that it is hard to be honest. Through art, you can convey feelings or sentiments about someone that you could never actually say. There is an emotional relief to honestly sharing something with someone you trust and having reciprocated intimacy.
 
 
Carissa Potter x Samsung Art Store
Q: “Winter Moon” was a favorite among Samsung Art Store users last winter. What inspires you to choose specific motifs for your seasonal pieces?
 
If I had to guess why “Winter Moon” was popular, I’d say it’s because it is simple. We live in a complex world, and simple images are like a break for the mind. The imagery is comforting and melancholic at the same time, so there is a neutral emotional tone that I am attracted to. Winter is often portrayed as cold, dark and isolating, but the season can create moments of safety and connection.
 
▲ “Winter Moon” (2022)
 
 
Q: “Bunny Love” and “Flowers for Mom” were featured in Samsung Art Store’s April and May curated collections. Why do you think these pieces resonated so strongly?
 
At the end of winter, we search for new life — for energy, vitality and things to celebrate and look forward to. Both “Bunny Love” and “Flowers for Mom” are visual representations of what we long for and a reminder of what is in store. Seasonal rituals are important for understanding space and time. In many ways, that is what the images are doing for us — grounding us and telling us we are right where we need to be.
 
▲ “Bunny Love” (2024)
 
“There is an emotional relief to honestly sharing something with someone you trust and having reciprocated intimacy.”
 
 
Q: What are some other pieces you recommend users to display on their Frame TVs?
 
During my episodes of depression, I found that tending to plants brings me joy. It is so simple and obvious —but, really for me, it was massively uplifting.
 
“Plant Wall” features various black plants against a white background. This piece was part of my collaboration with SFMOMA. “A Family of Plants” is a group of plants in terracotta pots. “September Bloom” shows a woman seated with a bouquet of flowers.
 
To me, plants represent the interconnected nature of being — they make you awe at the complexity of life. There is beauty and life everywhere. Working with plants makes me feel little, yet helpful. And sometimes feeling little is comforting.
 
▲ “Plant Wall” (2020)
 
▲ “A Family of Plants” (2024)
 
▲ “September Bloom” (2023)
 
 
Exploring Art in the Digital Realm
Q: How do you envision technology impacting the creation and distribution of art?
 
I believe all art throughout time has been a collaboration with the available technology. But that is not a bad thing! It could be, but it is also just a reformatting of information and understanding.
 
I can’t say for sure what everything will look like in the future, but it’s interesting to think about how we are directly harnessing human knowledge when we use emerging tech or AI. In some ways, it is giving form to the collective consciousness.
 
 
Q: Have you seen any changes in how people engage or interpret art as digital mediums become more popular?
 
I love flipping through art and seeing the diverse pieces humans have made. In art school, making something comfortable enough for someone’s home was sort of a faux pas. But now, I think it is valuable if someone likes something enough to want to live with it.
 
Art is now a lot more democratic. It is magical to be able to enjoy artwork in your home that used to only be accessible in formal institutions. Your flesh and bone can be in one spot while your mind is in a completely different space surrounded by things and people you love.
 
 
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?
 
I don’t think we discussed nostalgia. Recently, I pondered about why we keep objects. My brain tends to remember the hard things. From an evolutionary standpoint, this makes sense. If something is dangerous, I should remember it.
 
Yet, there are things that I want to remember that don’t always fall into the neuropathways that serve me to not die — like the good things. Reminders of the sweetness of life, times of connection and joy are more important than ever in recognizing that there will be moments of pleasure again. I think art can do that and so much more.
 
There is a study that suggested humans are taking less and less emotional risks in life. I find that somewhat depressing. I am interested in building relationships, feeling emotions and getting dirty. I hope that my work will allow people to say what is inside their hearts or on their minds when they don’t have the right words.
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“I know my pieces are influencing AI models and millions of digital paintings. While I’m not sure where this trend will lead, I do know that original art created by humans will always be the basis of any technology in the future.”
– Erin Hanson, painter
 
Erin Hanson’s artistic journey is as vivid as the landscapes she paints. Drawing from the dramatic hues of Red Rock Canyon in Nevada and the Pacific coast, Hanson uses bold colors and textured brushstrokes in her signature style of “Open Impressionism.”
 
Through Samsung’s long-standing partnership with Saatchi Art, customers can access her unique works and access her colorful world on Samsung Art Store. Samsung Newsroom sat down with Hanson to discuss the scenery that inspires her and hear how technology is blurring boundaries in the art world by merging the physical with the digital.
 
▲ Erin Hanson
 
 
Letting Creativity Bloom
Q: Tell us a bit about your artistic journey. When did you begin painting?
 
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be an artist. I started with oil paintings when I was 8 years old and explored other mediums — but I was always drawn back to oils since that’s what the masters painted in. When I hold a brush full of buttery paint and breathe in the smell of oils, I feel directly connected to the great painters of the past.
 
 
Q: Please tell us more about Open Impressionism.
 
People kept telling me that my paintings were distinctive and instantly recognizable, so I formed the term Open Impressionism after I had crafted about 400 paintings in this unique style. My focus is on color, light and the feeling of being surrounded by beauty in the outdoors. I call my style “open” because my inspiration comes from open-air landscapes. I use the impasto technique and keep my impressionistic paintings highly textured without smearing or blending colors. Through decisive brushstrokes, I let the underpainting peek out to give my works the appearance of stained glass or a mosaic.
 
▲ Dawning Saguaro (2021)
 
 
Q: Your paintings often feature stunning natural landscapes. What are your favorite locations? How have they influenced your creative process?

My first muses were the rocky landscapes of Nevada and southern Utah — the saturated colors of the scenic desert gave me endless subject matter whenever I went rock climbing at Red Rock Canyon. I’ve now explored many national parks and monuments including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon and Canyon de Chelly.
 
When I moved back to California, I started exploring Carmel and Mendocino on the Pacific coast. I fell in love with painting the vineyards, oak trees and rolling hills of California’s wine country. Yosemite and Lake Tahoe always draw me in with their dramatic colors and seasons.
 
“When I hold a brush full of buttery paint and breathe in the smell of oils, I feel directly connected to the great painters of the past.”
 
 
Framing Nature’s Beauty
Q: Your painting “Coastal Poppies II” is a favorite among users of The Frame. How did you translate this captivating piece for a digital platform?
 
“Coastal Poppies II” is inspired by one of my favorite coastal views in California, near Heart Castle and Big Sur. The painting brings me back to a time when the poppies were in full bloom, and I was standing alongside Highway 1 on the edge of the Pacific Coast — looking down into the rich aquamarine water with the salty ocean air blowing into my face. The contrast in colors and textures was so breathtaking that I completed four paintings in this series. The most recent was “Coastal Poppies IV” in 2022.
 
▲ Coastal Poppies II (2020)
 
“I formed the term Open Impressionism after I had crafted about 400 paintings in this unique style. My focus is on color, light and the feeling of being surrounded by beauty in the outdoors. I’ve [now] painted more than 3,000 oil pieces in [this] style”
 
 
Q: Can you share how you feel about your work being displayed on The Frame?
 
I like The Frame because the art is displayed on a wall, right where a real painting would hang. My fans and collectors can experience the brushstrokes and rhythms of texture within the painting which can be difficult to see on smaller displays.
 
I am also amazed at how well the Frame recreates the vibrant colors of my artwork. My impressionist paintings are all about color, and I love how the Frame captures the colors so accurately!
 
*Editor’s note: In 2024, The Frame became the first in the industry to earn the Pantone® Validated ArtfulColor certification. The Matte Display also minimizes light reflection to help viewers admire art under overhead room lights or even daylight.
 
 
Q: Out of all your pieces that users can display on The Frame, which are your top three picks?
 
My favorites are “Coastal Poppies II,” “Apple Blossoms” and “Cherry Blossoms.”
 
▲ Apple Blossoms (2023)
 
“Apple Blossoms” was inspired by a 30-year-old apple tree on my property. Since I moved up to the Willamette Valley in the Oregon wine country, I’ve been attracted to the four seasons in the Northwest.
 
▲ Cherry Blossom (2023)
 
“Cherry Blossom” captures a grove of blooming cherry trees near my gallery in McMinnville, Oregon. With pink cherry blossoms against a perfect blue sky, the painting is truly a harbinger of spring.
 
 
Q: “Apple Blossoms” will be part of Samsung Art Store’s April curated collection, “Spring in Bloom.” What can users expect?
 
The “Spring in Bloom” collection will capture everything there is to love about springtime. I live in Oregon, where spring arrives after a long, cold and wet winter. It feels like that moment in “The Wizard of Oz” when the world turns to technicolor — almost like someone flipped a switch one night, and the world is suddenly full of daffodils, mustard fields and flowering plum and cherry trees. I hope users get to experience that same kind of wonder and magic when they see this collection.
 
“My dream is to create an immersive Erin Hanson experience where people can step right into my paintings [in a digital environment] and be surrounded by moving pictures of my artwork”
 
 
Embracing Immersive Art Through Technology
Q: Can you share more about what drew you to work with Saatchi Art, a longtime partner of the Art Store?
 
Beyond showing its works on The Frame, Saatchi Art is the best online hub for showcasing original artwork. The art collection is well-curated, with, and there is an amazing variety of styles and mediums. The fact that there is something for everyone makes it a great way for collectors to find new artwork, again and again. I have been selling my work through Saatchi Art for over a decade now. The Saatchi team is always helpful and easy to work with.
 
 
Q: Traditional art galleries allow viewers to experience paintings in person and fully appreciate the texture, brushstrokes and scale. How do you think digital formats impact the way people engage with art?
 
I’ve painted more than 3,000 oil pieces in my Open Impressionism style — and truthfully, I struggled to find ways to share my work with fans and collectors. Although I have several coffee table books and many paper prints, the best way to share my collections is through digital formats.
 
For digital formats, we typically look for compositions that work well on a long, horizontal layout. To obtain such high-resolution images of my paintings, we use a large scanner in my gallery that takes up the entire room. The scanner photographs the paintings from above using five different light angles, so we can control the amount of shadow that is visible in the final images. This variation gives the illusion of three dimensions, so you can almost reach out and feel the brushstrokes.
 
In addition, we map my oil paintings to produce high-resolution, three-dimensional textured prints. They’re so lifelike that most people can’t tell the difference between the replica and the original.
 
My dream is to create an immersive Erin Hanson experience where people can step right into my paintings and be surrounded by moving pictures of my artwork. In a digital environment like this, visitors can appreciate a larger quantity of art than the dozen or so pieces they might see hanging in a gallery or festival setting.
 
 
Q: Do you see technology playing an increasingly significant role in the art world? If so, how do you anticipate this trend to unfold in the years to come?
 
I am sure technical innovators will continue to find new ways to create and share artwork. For example, bigger The Frame TVs would allow art lovers to display even larger works of art on their walls. I know my pieces are influencing AI models and millions of digital paintings. While I’m not sure where this trend will lead, I do know that original art created by humans will always be the basis of any technology in the future. A computer may be able to alter and combine different paintings to create a new piece, but the original images were all created by individual artists who viewed the world in their own distinct ways.
 
 
Q: Can you tell us about any upcoming projects?
 
This year, I am traveling to France to follow in the footsteps of the impressionists and visit all the famously painted locations in Paris, following the Seine to Arles and Le Havre in southern France. I will be visiting the windowsill where Van Gogh sat and painted “Starry Night” and exploring the gardens that Monet so famously painted. This has been a dream of mine for several years, and it is finally coming true. Afterward, I plan to create a collection of French-inspired works in homage to the 150th anniversary of the first impressionist exhibition.
 
The works from this collection, “Reflections of the Seine,” will be released in September. You can read more here: erinhanson.com/Event/ReflectionsoftheSeine.
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