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.
 

View the full article

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.)
 

View the full article

View the full blog at its source

“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.
View the full article

The Galaxy S22 has been a big success for Samsung so far, but the new flagship series isn’t without problems or controversies. The latest issue concerns the Galaxy S22 Ultra, as Samsung’s new Note model seems unable to hold a GPS connection.
That’s the kind of problem that would impact any app that relies on location data. You’ll need GPS for Google Maps and other navigation apps. And you’ll also be using it whenever you want to share your location with someone else.
Don't Miss: Wednesday’s deals: $50 Echo Buds, secret Fire TV deal, Oral-B sale, Samsung monitors, more The current controversies
Before we get to the GPS issues, let’s look at the Galaxy S22’s other problems.
I’ve recently highlighted four reasons not to buy the Galaxy S22, even when better price deals arrive. One of those concerns the Galaxy S22’s ability to survive drops, but it’s immediately fixable. The Galaxy S22 Ultra seems especially fragile in such accidents. You can reduce the risk by getting protective accessories from the first day.
We then have Samsung misleading buyers regarding the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Plus display efficiency. Similarly, the 45W fast charging support available on the Plus and the Galaxy S22 Ultra seems to be a marketing gimmick.
The most important issue concerns the phone’s performance. The throttling issue that was widely covered in the past few weeks might be hiding a more significant problem with Samsung’s flagships. It might be a chip a cooling issue. Samsung said in an explanation to shareholders that it hasn’t been cutting costs, however.
That’s to say that the Galaxy S22 series is already drawing attention for the kind of faults you wouldn’t expect from a flagship. The GPS signal loss problem falls in the same category.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra in white, with stylus. Image source: Samsung The Galaxy S22 Ultra GPS problems
Addressing camera quality issues, leaker Ice Universe also observed on Twitter that the Galaxy S22 is the best-selling Samsung flagship in years. But also the one suffering from the most problems. The leaker previously criticized Samsung for the throttling issue.
The GPS connectivity complaints come from elsewhere, however. Android World detailed the problem, explaining that Galaxy S22 Ultra users would encounter GPS issues from the first boot. The problem can persist even after updates, and the GPS won’t work.
A post on a Samsung Community forum in Europe has some 202 replies showing that some Galaxy S22 Ultra buyers have experienced the GPS problem. But the issue doesn’t appear to be widespread at the moment.
There’s no fix for it either. The blog notes that resetting the APN settings might work. You can also consider resetting network settings. Whatever it is, it might be a problem with the phone rather than apps that need location data to work.
If you’ve experienced any Galaxy S22 Ultra GPS issues, you can consider reaching out to Samsung for help.
The post Some Galaxy S22 Ultra units might have a GPS connectivity issue appeared first on BGR.
View the full article