The landscape of art consumption is undergoing a significant shift, thanks to technological advances in television. Much like Spotify revolutionized the music industry and Netflix disrupted cinema, television brands are now stepping into the realm of visual art. Brands such as Samsung and LG are pioneering ways to merge high-tech displays with the art world, inviting viewers to experience masterpieces in new and innovative ways.
The New Frontiers of Art on Screens
LG has taken notable strides in integrating art with technology. The Korean electronics giant sponsored Frieze art fairs, showcasing transparent OLED screens that featured pieces inspired by renowned Korean abstract ink master Suh Se Ok at Frieze Seoul 2024. Last year at Frieze London, LG presented works by Italian artist Quayola, demonstrating their commitment to fostering art through cutting-edge technology. Their 65-inch 4K smart TV, the Easel, is designed to resemble a traditional canvas leaning against a wall. The Gallery Mode feature allows users to view artworks seamlessly, transforming the television into an art display.
Samsung’s Frame TV series, designed to mimic wall-mounted artwork, has similarly made waves since the Samsung Art Store’s debut in 2017. With over 2,500 artworks from over 800 artists available, subscribers can enjoy pieces by masters like Botticelli and Da Vinci, modernists such as Salvador Dalí and Monet, and contemporary icons like Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Partnering with museums like The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Musée d’Orsay, Samsung’s platform provides a unique opportunity to experience art from around the world. Recent additions include works from the Museum of Modern Art’s extensive collection.
Bringing Art to More People
Daria Greene, Global Curator of the Samsung Art Store, spoke about the transformative potential of digital platforms in broadening art access. She acknowledged that while some in the art world may hesitate to embrace digital displays, believing that art should be experienced in person, these platforms create new opportunities for global audiences. “Art and technology are closely linked, and together they can create greater exposure, new opportunities, and increased representation of diverse voices,” Greene said. Digital art platforms also enable viewers who may lack the resources to visit galleries in person to enjoy works from prestigious institutions.
Greene highlighted the evolving relationship between traditional art and digital formats. Artists like Shinique Smith are already creating works specifically designed for digital viewing, blurring the lines between the medium and the message. The shift towards digital does not mean physical museums will become obsolete, but rather that new methods enrich the way art is shared and experienced.
Innovations in Screen Technology
Samsung’s 2024 edition of The Frame TV is particularly noteworthy, having earned the Validated ArtfulColor certification from Pantone. This accolade underscores the TV’s advanced color reproduction technology, ensuring that colors appear as true-to-life as possible under standard lighting conditions. The certification highlights Samsung’s commitment to creating an artistic experience that closely mirrors the visual experience of observing physical artworks.
Future Prospects for Artists and Viewers
When asked about potential future plans for artists to showcase their work on the Samsung Art Store, Greene noted that while no such plans are available at the moment, the platform operates on a revenue-sharing model that supports participating artists. This ensures that artists benefit from their work being seen on a global scale.
Greene also spoke about the growing potential for artists exhibiting at fairs and galleries to leverage digital platforms. “We see a significant opportunity to collaborate with artists actively exhibiting their work at fairs and conferences,” she explained. The expansion of the digital art market and its ability to bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds opens up new possibilities for art appreciation worldwide.
Art Consumption Like Never Before
The idea of an “art chart” akin to music streaming services such as Spotify is intriguing, and Greene touched on this concept by mentioning how the Art Store curates seasonal and culturally relevant collections. “We develop seasonal palettes, color trends, and culturally significant collections,” Greene said, adding that these curated selections have become some of the most popular among subscribers. For instance, this summer featured vibrant beach scenes, pieces from The Met, and works celebrating Hispanic artists. As the holiday season approaches, Samsung plans to unveil more timely collections that resonate with viewers.
The combination of high-quality screen technology and the integration of art curation on smart TVs are creating a new dialogue around how art can be consumed. This growing innovation could make art more accessible and engaging than ever before, promising to reshape the way we interact with and appreciate visual art.
