The artworks below were created in collaboration with the Special Designers of KIMUSTUDIO (KIMU), an organization breaking down societal barriers through content. The Special Designers are a team of designers with developmental disabilities who are working to create unique and captivating works of art for the world.

Now, their works of art can be seen on a variety of Samsung Electronics’ art platforms. Samsung and KIMUSTUDIO have come together to unveil a new, special project with the goal of bringing KIMU’s unique, aesthetic pieces and values to the daily lives of consumers. To find out more about the Drawing Diversity Project, Samsung Newsroom met with the project members and learned about the team and how this collaboration came together.

▲(From the left) KIMUSTUDIO’s CEO Jang-won Nam, Manager Ran Hur, Designer Taegyu Lee, Designer ByungHun Song, Yeonji Chee and Bora Kim from Samsung’s Corporate Sustainability Center pose in front of KIMU Atelier located in the Seongsu neighborhood of Seoul.

Art Platform Contents: Simply Consuming Art Expands the Value of D&I

“We thought long and hard about what Samsung’s consumers can do in their daily lives to join us in making a better future,” said Bora Kim from the Corporate Sustainability Center, who planned the Drawing Diversity Project. “We thought that if we can uphold the values of diversity and inclusion (D&I) in our products and services, then our consumers would be able to naturally participate in consuming and spreading these values,” she explained.

“At KIMUSTUDIO, all members complement each other and are placed in roles that utilize their talents and strengths,” said Yeonji Chee from the Corporate Sustainability Center when explaining how the cooperation with KIMUSTUDIO began. “KIMUSTUDIO does not provide one-sided help, but instead encourages everyone to accept the way they are and unleash their talent. Creating artwork in this way coincided with our vision to create a sustainable future through collaboration and mutual growth with various employees, partners and stakeholders.”

▲Yeonji Chee (left) and Bora Kim (right) from Samsung’s Corporate Sustainability Center planned the art platform project with KIMUSTUDIO.

“When it comes to this collaboration, we can’t help but mention the quality of the artwork of KIMUSTUDIO,” Chee said. “First of all, we were mesmerized by the distinct works of art that are unique to KIMUSTUDIO. Not only did I personally like the bright colors and charming style of the artworks, but the quality of them was also outstanding and suitable to be presented to our consumers through Samsung’s art platforms,” Chee added.

“The artworks of KIMU break stereotypes that have previously created prejudice in art. They instead help us to provide new perspectives on the differences between people,” Kim said. “We wanted to share KIMU’s artworks, which integrate art and the values of D&I seamlessly, with consumers through Samsung’s products and services,” she said.

When consumers purchase the Special Designers’ artworks on Samsung’s art platforms, a portion of the proceeds are immediately shared with KIMU. In this way, consumers can participate both in promoting the values of D&I in their daily lives while appreciating the beautiful artworks of KIMU.

Sharing the Value of Diversity with the Broader World

KIMU’s artworks are created through a collaboration of many individuals. The Special Designers and other team members work together by utilizing their own unique, artistic talents, including sketching, coloring, design and more. A total of 16 KIMU designers worked together for Samsung’s Drawing Diversity Project.

▲KIMUSTUDIO’s Special Designers work with other team members to create works of art.

However, displaying artwork through art platforms is different than displaying artwork in galleries, which was the platform KIMU was most familiar with. The role of the electronic devices that display the artwork and the characteristics of those products, such as where they are usually placed, had to be considered as well. Additionally, the project participants needed to consider how TVs, smartphones and refrigerators are utilized throughout viewers’ daily lives.

“We organized the different styles of artworks considering the unique features of Samsung’s art platforms, which allow artworks to be easily accessible in people’s daily lives,” said CEO of KIMUSTUDIO, Jang-won Nam. “How we create art has been diversified from our existing artworks and we’ve created new patterns, sceneries and artistic objects based on projects that we were working on. As a result, we’ve created artworks that are more artistic and present a new aura.”

The artworks that are usually square-shaped were adjusted according to the specific device sizes, and diverse, new patterns, designs and themes were created as well. Additionally, artwork displayed on refrigerators usually contains nature and animals, giving the impression that the kitchen and external space are connected and creating a more spacious vibe within the home.

“For Bespoke Atelier and the Art Store, we thought of artworks that would go well with the design elements, such as colors and forms that are unique to home appliances,” Hur said. “For Galaxy Themes, which users interact with on a daily basis on their smartphones, we focused on creating trendy colors or styles that suit users’ preferences.”

▲ Designers ByungHun Song (left) and Taegyu Lee (right) are Special Designers from KIMUSTUDIO who participated in Samsung’s art platform project.

Although the platform for displaying artwork has changed, the project made an effort to maintain KIMU’s unique vibe. Special Designers Taegyu Lee and ByungHun Song participated in the project and elaborated on the process of creating artwork. “We tried to draw something we like in a unique way and that process was enjoyable,” the designers said.

▲KIMUSTUDIO’s CEO Jang-won Nam (left) and Bridge Team Manager Ran Hur (right)

“The part that makes me the happiest is that the platform for KIMU’s contents has expanded thanks to the collaboration with Samsung, a company that has consumers all over the world,” said Ran Hur, Manager of KIMU’s Bridge Team, who is in charge of hiring Special Designers for partnerships. “We hope KIMU’s artworks will be a positive influence and help KIMU move closer to its goal of breaking down barriers through content.”

Samsung’s Art Platforms Shed Light on the Value of D&I in Different Places

Three business divisions at Samsung participated in this collaborative project, making this collaboration a new challenge for KIMU.

“The direction and value sought by each platform were clear, so coming up with an optimal way to develop them was an enjoyable and valuable experience.” CEO Nam said.

The managers of each business division in charge of exhibiting KIMU’s artworks also explained their perspective on the project.

How Working Together to Create Content Breaks Down Barriers in the World

“KIMU, where the Special Designers and other team members all play an essential role in creating content, shows what D&I is all about,” Bora Kim said.

“With this project, I hope we can also consider the values of D&I and sustainability when planning other services,” said Chee. “I also hope we can continue to expand the diversity of the creators who provide content for Samsung’s various services, as well as its art platforms.”

The values of D&I are present in all of KIMU’s artworks. “This project with Samsung has been special and valuable to each of us,” CEO Nam said. “I’m overwhelmed with joy to have this opportunity to showcase the talents of our designers through their artwork, allowing the values of D&I to be communicated and recognized throughout the world. I hope the distinct aura and stories of KIMU will resonate well with the viewers through the art platforms.”

Celebrating Diversity & Inclusion within the UK…

As a commitment to D&I, on International Day of Disabled Persons, Samsung’s experience space in King’s Cross London, Samsung KX, turned its external window lights purple. The colour purple is the official colour used to represent IDDP and encourages all to reflect and make commitments on disability inclusion. The theme this year from the UN is ‘transformative solutions for inclusive development’, which Samsung as a leader in innovative and inclusive technology, is proud to have supported on the 3^rd December 2022.

Traversing both the impenetrable jungle of the Ecuadorian Amazon to the bustling city of Santiago de Chile, Alberto Montt’s work, which reflects his experience and emotions as gleaned from everyday life, has been featured on Samsung Electronics’ Art Store since 2019, gaining him popularity from fans around the world.

Montt is known in particular for his experimental approach to art, which combines different elements to create a new way for people to enjoy his work. With the rising popularity of digital art forms and new mediums, Samsung Newsroom sat down with Montt to discuss his work and the meaning of digital art.

▲ Alberto Montt

Q: Can you please introduce yourself?

I am a Latin American storyteller. Illustration is my second language. I have about 30 published books, and I do standup performances that mix elements of spoken and graphic language. I am inspired by everyday life and emotional memory, which allows me to relate to the day to day.

Q: Your pieces are known to present cultural and contradictive statements through youthful illustrations. Where does your inspiration for this come from?

Art should force you to think and to question your position in this world. When art does not challenge you, it is pure decoration.

Q: As a storyteller and an illustrator, you utilize digital art as a means to interact with your audience. What can you say about its growing popularity and what are some of the benefits it brings to the art community?

It features multiple mediums, which comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Digital art is a tremendously complex tool that allows communication to be explored from virtually an infinite number of possibilities.

Q: How has your own artwork evolved as digital art and as technology has advanced? Are there any notable changes in your life that were deeply impacted by innovations in technology?

The biggest impact technology has had on my life was allowing me to move around the world while working. These days, I am able to take my workshop and my studio with me wherever I go.

▲ Alberto Montt during his standup performance

Q: Let’s talk about your partnership with Samsung Art Store. What type of role do you think it plays in the evolving, digital art world?

Being part of the Art Store has allowed me to reach a diverse and global audience in a way that no other platform I know can offer. Being able to exhibit digital art with the value it deserves is an achievement that only technology has allowed. With my own Art Store on The Frame, the images I see change very often, and my whole space is consequently altered and delineated by that randomness and diversity.

Q: Are there any advantages of displaying art on screens such as The Frame?

Absolutely. The range of colors and lighting of the screen completely modify the relationship between the viewer and the work. For me, it has been very exciting to plan the works that will enter the Art Store from that perspective. I would love to see how they are observed and “lived” within people’s everyday spaces.

Q: Can you introduce three of your favorite pieces on the Art Store?

Tigre is a visual exercise that takes me back to my childhood. I grew up in the Ecuadorian jungle and although there are no tigers, the idea of the foliage and the innumerable colors and shades of green moves me deeply.

▲ “Tigre”, Alberto Montt

Laberinto is another one of my favorites. It’s a work that seeks, from graphic simplicity, to represent the complexity of human relationships.

▲ “Laberinto”, Alberto Montt

Beso is an illustration that is part of a book published in Colombia that discusses curiosity and emotional awakening. This is the picture I like the most from that book, perhaps because it also has that vegetal exuberance.

▲ “Beso”, Alberto Montt

Q: Finally, where do you see the future of digital art headed?

For me, art is a game that is constantly changing. That reinvention excites me. It is that surprise that keeps me alive.

To see more of Montt’s latest art pieces, including Beso, head to the Art Store on Samsung’s The Frame.

The Art Store’s growing popularity has also provided rising artists a platform for their work to be seen by millions of art enthusiasts and design lovers worldwide. In particular, the Minted X Samsung The Frame partnership has allowed independent artists from more than 100 countries to have their work displayed alongside iconic works from renowned artists and institutions.

Samsung Newsroom sat down with Mariam Naficy, Founder, co-CEO and Chairman of Minted, about the Minted x Samsung The Frame partnership and how this technology empowers artists with more opportunities.

Q: Can you tell us more about how technology enables you to carry out your mission to help new artists and make art more accessible?

It can be challenging for new artists to reach a large audience in the art world. Our mission has always been to showcase the best in independent design to consumers everywhere, regardless of an artist’s background.

For instance, Minted holds open art and design challenges that allow anyone in the world to submit their art or design. Our customers vote for their favorite submissions, and Minted’s proprietary algorithms parse through millions of these votes to determine the winning designs. This crowdsourcing process champions inclusivity while bringing fresh and trendy designs to market. Together with The Frame and the Art Store, we are proud to create a pathway for independent artists to display their work digitally in millions of homes.

▲ Mariam Naficy, Founder, co-CEO and Chairman of Minted

Q: What made you decide to collaborate with the Art Store?

The Art Store shares Minted’s commitment to helping consumers discover and support artists. Samsung has curated incredible art, including works from prestigious museums around the world. We’re honored to see art from Minted artists in the same digital gallery as the classic or traditional masterpieces. By bringing the art of up-and-coming and emerging artists into peoples’ homes, Samsung is fostering inclusivity and accessibility, which are two values that are important to Minted.

Q: Can you share with us an artist success story that was made possible with Minted?

All the artists who have been featured in the Art Store have such diverse backgrounds, career paths and personal stories. For example, Bethania Lima, a Brazilian surface designer living in Uruguay, has grown her business through Minted — and has had the opportunity to bring her work into even more homes worldwide through our partnership with the Art Store.

Q: What are some advantages of displaying art on The Frame vs more typical ways of accessing art such as visiting art galleries or exhibitions?

In many homes, the television is in a room that serves as a gathering place, and bringing art into your home is a wonderful way to share the beauty of design with friends and family. Displaying unique art on The Frame turns an everyday living space into your own dynamic gallery that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home with the people you love.

The Art Store’s audience has continued to grow, which has led to larger earnings opportunities and greater success for featured artists. We also love the curated, thematic lists that help people discover art in the Art Store.

Q: How has your own work evolved since you first partnered with Samsung?

Minted’s ongoing design competitions ensure that we always have the latest in art and design, and we’re very excited to have refreshed the Minted Art collection for the Art Store this year. It’s the first major refresh of our assortment since we launched, which is very exciting. Our new collection features a diverse group of artists and new art trends.

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

“Everything Changes”, Fernanda Martinez

• Fernanda Martinez is an Oakland, California-based artist and founder of La Tinta Art. She explores the subject’s relation with the environment through her abstract paintings and murals incorporating natural elements as themes. With an experimental and intuitive approach to her work, her pieces are unique statements that represent feelings of connection, expansion and growth. In particular, Martinez’s artwork “Everything Changes” was inspired by a sunny day in the city. Combining the yellows and browns from city buildings with vibrant golds, oranges and blues creates a unique and modern composition.

“Festooned”, Brandy Brown

• Brandy Brown is the creative director of Marabou Design. As a wife and mother, she crafts with the idea of her modern family and their extraordinary friends in mind. Her background is in graphic arts, and she believes that function and clean design go hand in hand. Much like her personality, her aesthetic is described as both playful and smart. In her piece “Festooned”, Brown wanted to depict the serenity of a BIPOC^[1]woman holding a lush arrangement of florals. Just as flowers come in many varieties and colors, Brown wanted to capture the vast spectrum of femininity through her digital art.

“Linear Abstract”, Raven Erebus

• Raven Erebus is a Silicon Valley-based artist who worked as a software engineer before turning to art full time when her health declined. Erebus’s work discovers the magic in the everyday world around us and is often inspired by her immediate environments, as she has a chronic disability. Erebus explains that her simple pen and ink drawings, like “A Long Ray Around”, consist of interlocking lines inspired by the shapes found in nature. The lines create pathways, rays and arches resulting in a soothing minimalist design that is perfect for modern decor.

To see the latest crowdsourced art pieces from the Minted x Samsung partnership, head to the Art Store on The Frame.

*Separate Art Store subscription required to access full selection.

^[1] BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous and people of colour.

In order to get to know more about how users around the world are enjoying their Samsung lifestyle TVs, Samsung Newsroom reached out to a range of influencers and trailblazers within different creative industries.

Adèle & Maxime, French Graphic Designers With an Interest in How Objects Work With Their Interiors

“Samsung’s lifestyle TVs blend in with the décor, becoming an aesthetic element in their own right – all with simplicity and lightness.”

Q: As designers and illustrators yourselves, what do you think about the design of Samsung’s lifestyle TVs?

A: The design of Samsung TVs is very interesting because, once placed, they become a modern and active object in our interiors. They blend in with the décor, becoming an aesthetic element in their own right – all with simplicity and lightness.

Q: Samsung has partnered with some artists on the design of their lifestyle TVs. What are your thoughts on such partnerships that blend technological innovation with artistic creativity?

A: The idea of opening up the design of an everyday object to creators is something that is very important to us. Technological objects can lose their simplicity and poetry by merit of their design, but by collaborating with creative people, we can bring this issue to the forefront to resolve it.

Virro & Lola, A Mexican-French Photographer and Creative Professional Duo With a Passion for Travel

“Samsung’s lifestyle TVs combine art, aesthetics, interior design and entertainment, making them go far beyond the television function – which is really revolutionary.”

Q: Along with your professional pursuits, you are known for your joint Instagram page where you share your favourite travel experiences. What do you think about The Serif with which you can view your own media and memories?

A: We used to hate the black screen of the TV in our living room, so Ambient Mode is one of the features we love most about The Serif. It’s really cool that Samsung regularly introduces new content for Ambient Mode, but mostly, we’re keen on showcasing our own media and having it on display for ourselves and our guests.

Q: Virro – as a photographer, what is it about Samsung’s lifestyle TVs that appeals to you the most?

A: First of all, thanks to their QLED screens, the image quality is impressive. In addition, Samsung’s lifestyle TVs combine art, aesthetics, interior design and entertainment, making them go far beyond the television function – which is really revolutionary.

Q: Lola – what is your favourite thing about The Serif?

A: What I love most about The Serif is that it’s a TV that doesn’t look like one. Being passionate about interior design, I believe that The Serif is a beautiful, unique and bold addition to a living space.

Kyal & Kara, Australian Renovators Who Like to Think Outside the Box

“The ability to view either your own or world-renowned media on The Frame means that there are infinite ways to create a look and feel unique to each individual.”

Q: How do Samsung’s lifestyle TVs factor into your daily household routines and activities?

A: With two young children and an active lifestyle, we really value our relaxation time together as a family, and Samsung’s lifestyle TVs play a big part in this. On the weekends, we love our movie time together as a family, and the kids love choosing artwork from the Art Store for The Frame we have in our rumpus room – it’s a great way for them to take ownership of the space.

Q: Samsung’s The Frame combines technology with aesthetic for seamless TV experiences. What are your favourite features of the TV?

A: The two standout features for us are the TV’s thin, streamlined design and the customisable bezel. We’re all about creating spaces that evoke emotion as you enter the room, and the ability to view either your own or world-renowned media on the TV means that there are infinite ways to create a look and feel unique to each individual.

Q: What tips would you provide to users looking to match their Samsung lifestyle TV to their interior?

A: We have three key tips. Tip 1: function first – work out how you’d like your TV to be displayed. The Serif is a great option for angular spaces where wall mounting or units are not an option.

Tip 2: find your inspiration. From colour palettes to other décor pieces, be sure to know what’s important in your space. Finally, tip 3: create a style unique to you. Ask yourself what vibe you’re looking for with your space. For example, if you prefer minimal interior styling, The Frame with a white bezel would be the perfect choice.

Lotte Meister, an American Interior Decorator and Stager Who Loves When Function Meets Style

“The Serif feels both retro and modern at the same time and doesn’t take up too much visual space the way a TV on a console table might.”

Q: Samsung’s lifestyle TVs are developed to be able to fit into any interior space and aesthetic. What are your thoughts on the design of The Serif? What do you like most about it?

A: The Serif’s clean lines and cool vibe make it a decorative element in its own right. What’s more, the sloped ceilings of our bedroom did not permit a flat screen to be hung on the wall, yet we wanted to be able to watch TV in bed. The Serif was the perfect solution. It feels both retro and modern at the same time and doesn’t take up too much visual space the way a TV on a console table might. The hidden wiring is also genius – the decorator and stager in me loves the look!

Q: What about The Frame? What do you like most about it?

A: We have 3 homes across New York state, each with completely different aesthetics. We have a Frame TV in each of these homes, and it looks great in each location. I love it because it looks like another piece of art and doesn’t scream “Look at me, I’m a TV!”. The choice of finishes available for The Frame make it work in every style of home.

Jin-woong Son, a Korean Furniture Designer With a Passion for the Harmony of the Interior

“The Frame’s bezel is so refined that the joints fit perfectly when you switch out your bezel – like puzzle piece slotting into place.”

Q: As a professional furniture designer, do you have any special criteria in mind when choosing a TV?

A: I would never choose a product that doesn’t harmonize with the space it is to be placed in, which is why I currently use The Frame, as I like how it can be used as an actual art frame when the screen is turned off.

On top of that, you can easily change The Frame’s bezel color to match your changing interior any time you want, something that you can’t do with most electronics. Furthermore, the bezel’s joints are designed at a 45° angle, and as a furniture designer, this strikes me as amazingly sophisticated. The bezel is so refined that the joints fit perfectly when you switch out your bezel – like puzzle pieces slotting into place.

Q: These days, the demand for lifestyle TVs that are able to merge seamlessly into a user’s space is on the rise. What are your thoughts on this trend?

A: In the past, the TV used to play the role of gathering family members all together in the living space while also providing entertainment. These days, however, the role of TVs has become much more about providing multifaceted entertainment experiences, as well as serving as statement furniture pieces.

For those living in a small space, The Serif makes the perfect choice – as opposed to, say, a huge wall-mounted TV – as it makes use of the space it takes up by serving as a sophisticated interior décor item that stands on its own as a piece of furniture.

* The influencers featured in the article are Samsung’s paid influencer partners.

With new artworks from the Louvre joining the collection, The Frame now boasts a catalogue  of over 1,500 works of art from 43 different countries^[1], that consumers can enjoy in 4K picture quality^[2] from museums and galleries around the world, including the Prado Museum in Madrid, the Albertina Museum in Vienna, the Tate Modern in London, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Hermitage State Museum in Saint Petersburg and LUMAS.

“Ever since we launched our Lifestyle TV portfolio in 2017, we have focused on developing the Art Store platform with prestigious partners. We want to offer much more than a television, inviting Art into the homes of The Frame owners everywhere. This catalog lists works by hundreds of artists, covering diverse periods, from ancient civilizations to modern art,” explained Wonjin Lee, President and Head of Service Biz Team at Samsung Electronics. “This year, we are proud to join forces with one of the most famous museums in the world, the Louvre, to enhance this collection and offer a taste of French heritage throughout the world.”

Admire the Louvre’s treasures from your own home

By entering into a partnership with the Louvre^[3], Samsung offers all The Frame owners a chance to explore the most visited museum in the world through forty pieces of art and photographs. This selection includes must-see masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and The Wedding Feast at Cana, as well as photos of the majestic Louvre galleries, its architecture and museum grounds (Louvre Pyramid, Tuileries Garden, etc.). A short description of each work gives users a glimpse into their background and history.

Samsung and the Louvre also plan to unveil other exclusive content for The Frame users later this year.

“The Louvre is a venue of discovery, imbued with emotion, a spectacular setting for artistic masterpieces. Admiring works from its collection every day, at home, as well as views of the building, galleries and gardens, is a wonderful way to see and understand the extraordinary beauty of this museum,” said Yann Le Touher, Head of Development, Brand Licensing and Commercial Partnerships of the Louvre.

Ultra-slim design and exceptional picture quality

The Frame boasts a unique and customisable design^[4] that sets it apart from the rest. Designed to be a TV when it’s on and art when it’s off, The Frame is an innovative digital canvas that reflects an individual’s personal style. The 2021 version of the Lifestyle TV offers new custom options to complement every space and style, with two frame designs: modern (available in white, teak and brown) and bevelled (available in white and brick red)^[5].

To complete the artwork appeal, The Frame can be hung flush to the wall on an ultra-slim mount and connected to a One Connect box via a single translucent^[6] cable that integrates all TV connectors including the power source. Users can also set The Frame anywhere in the room on a Studio Stand^[7].

In addition to its gallery-ready design, The Frame provides a vibrant 4K^[8] QLED picture quality powered by Quantum Dot Technology that allows 100% colour volume^[9], immersing viewers in a world of rich and realistic colours.

For more information on Samsung’s Lifestyle TV products, please visit www.samsung.com.

About the Musée du Louvre

Formerly a royal palace, the Louvre has embraced the history of France for eight centuries. Open to the public since 1793, the Louvre collections are among the finest in the world, encompassing several thousands of years and spread across a large territory from America to the confines of Asia. Divided among eight departments, the collections feature works admired throughout the globe, including the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Venus de Milo.

After the French Revolution, the Louvre was created as a place where artists could admire the great masters and look for inspiration. Even today, the Louvre remains a place of inspiration for the greatest contemporary creators, architects, painters, sculptors, dancers, and musicians.

[1] Separate Art Store subscription required to access full selection

[2] 32” Frame in Full HD

[3] Through 30 June 2023

[4] 43”+ models

[5] For the 55 and 65-inch models

[6] Comes with one 5-meter cable; 15 meter cable available separately. Available for the 43, 50, 55, 65 and 75-inch models.

[7] Sold separately

[8] The 32-inch model is in QLED Full HD

[9] 100% colour volume measured to DCI-P3 standard, certified by VDE