[Interview] Artlife Matters X Samsung Art Store Partnership Brings Unique Ghanaian Perspective to Global Viewers – Samsung Global Newsroom

Since its introduction in 2017, Samsung Art Store has brought users remarkable works of art in 4K resolution right to their homes. Users can access these masterpieces through The Frame, Samsung’s lifestyle TV with an improved matte screen that reduces light reflection. With this new feature, The Frame allows users to view brilliant artwork from a catalog of thousands directly on their screen using Art Mode.

To foster accessibility and diversity within art, Samsung has partnered with numerous museums, galleries and art collectives, including the latest partnership Artlife Matters and Samsung Art Store. Together, Artlife Matters and Samsung Art Store have provided consumers with a unique and inspiring selection of works by Ghanaian and African artists, giving viewers who may not have been able to see the works in person a chance to experience the art in the comfort of their homes.

Samsung Newsroom sat down with Eric Agyare, Founder and Project Director at Artlife Matters, to discuss how the organization and its partnership with Samsung Art Store have transformed the perception of art and its role in improving diversity and accessibility for artists in Ghana and Africa.

Expanding Opportunities for Art

Q: Can you tell us a bit more about Artlife Matters and what inspired you to pursue a partnership with Samsung Art Store?

Artlife Matters is an art-influencing organization that seeks to foster collaborative and partnership opportunities that highlight practicing and upcoming artists in the creative arts space. Due to limited opportunities and resources, it can sometimes be difficult for artists to reach their full potential. In partnership with the Samsung Art Store, we are able to provide a platform that allows artists to experience art from a global perspective.

Q: How has your partnership with Samsung been received by Artlife Matters members and artists?

The reception of the artists is positive. The Art Store platform’s exposure and revenue model has solved significant career challenges, and our artists now have the peace of mind to continue doing what they love without worrying about their livelihood. To date, we currently have artwork submissions from six African countries, allowing consumers to truly enjoy the diversity of artwork provided by Artlife Matters.

Q: How has your experience working with Samsung influenced consumers’ perception of African art?

The partnership has also had a positive impact on consumer preferences, exposing them to aesthetics unknown to our continent. As a result, I think The Frame users are more enlightened than ever about the new African narrative. During our artist seminar held in December 2022, Artlife Matters recorded that most of our artists listed on this platform had been contacted by users of The Frame. Some conversations also lead to new projects.

Create diverse and accessible environments in art

Q: As an arts-influencing organization that celebrates and promotes art as a form of expression, what are some of the ways the organization helps address societal issues and inspire a creative and inclusive society?

Artlife Matters has implemented an art-based capacity building project called “Artitude”, which aims to expand the possibilities of the creative art space. Through workshops, internships and mentorships, we have engaged over 4,395 young creatives in high schools across Ghana, showing them the social, cultural and economic possibilities in the creative arts space while promoting the importance art.

Our goal is to celebrate and showcase art as a tool for social, cultural and economic development. The school and community projects we run are created to inspire and shape creative people to reach their vast potential within the art industry. Our goal is to become a pan-African organization with an artistic ecosystem that enables new and existing creatives to exchange and implement ideas that shape society.

Q: What role do you think technology plays bridging the accessibility gap for consumers and artists in the years to come?

We believe that the effort to democratize the art industry through technology increases the demand for creative goods. Through technology, art can become accessible to the right consumers and provide greater exposure to artists’ work. The dream of having a viable career in art can easily be made possible for young adults living in remote parts of Ghana.

Illustrate the dynamism and richness of art

Q: What are some of the unique artistic elements that define Ghanaian art? and the latest works from the Art Store?

Ghana is increasingly becoming the hub of contemporary African art. Our vibrant colors, our unique way of depicting darkness and the authenticity of the Ghanaian narrative are now catching the world’s attention. We take every opportunity to advocate and demonstrate the social, cultural and economic value of art in Ghana and beyond. Artlife Matters focuses on creating and managing a vibrant art space that influences positive community behaviors, as demonstrated by the Kolorscape piece of art.

Q: Of the most recent works in the Art Store, which piece would you recommend users view on The Frame?

To showcase the stunning and dynamic works of Artlife Matters and its artists, I would recommend consumers view the artworks featured below on The Frame.

▲ Kolorscapes (2021) by Dela Aemaga (Becké)

Dela Aemaga is a contemporary artist. His works stimulate dialogue about race, society, culture, religion and politics. Dela strongly believes that art validates perception, and that is how he sees the future of Accra’s creative community in this masterpiece.

▲ Melanin Lisa by Elkanah Kwadwo Mpesum (el Carna)

Elkanah Kwadwo Mpesum is a professional illustrator with an edge for telling authentic African stories. Her version of the “Mona Lisa” is a tribute to the beauty and majesty of the black woman.

▲ She Snap by Manzi Leon

Manzi Leon is a self-taught surreal visual and digital artist who loves the impasto style of painting because it gives him an exciting energy to see visible brushstrokes converging on a canvas to form a masterpiece that expresses the thoughts and the feelings of the women in her community. This painting shows how we get happiness and the power to stick to what motivates us.

To see more artwork from Artlife Matters, head to the Samsung Art Store in The Frame.