OnOffice sits down with Rise Art’s Content Associate Tatty Martin to discuss the online gallery’s upcoming exhibition, the many psychological benefits of having art in the workplace and much more
OnOffice: Could you please tell us about Rise Art and how it all began?
Tatty Martin: Rise Art is an online gallery and marketplace, showcasing work from emerging and established artists worldwide. We started around ten years ago, with the goal of championing artists at all career stages and making the art world accessible to anyone and everyone. Whether you’re just curious about art or you’re a seasoned collector, we aim to shine a light on the most exciting, talented and culturally relevant artists of our time.
OO: In your opinion, what makes Rise Art unique to other (online) art galleries?
TM: We make purchasing and collecting art accessible, personal and uncomplicated. Using a combination of technology and curatorial expertise, we act as both a guide to and commentator on the art world, helping collectors find new work, discover the latest artists and build their collections. Although we are primarily online, we also have a gallery space in Soho, where we put on exhibitions from Rise Art artists and new and emerging artists.
OO: Why is art important in the workplace?
TM: Art is important in the workplace as it impacts the way we interact with our environment and those within our environment. Surrounding yourself with art can stimulate inspiration and elevate productivity. Art, whether that be a painting on the wall, an installation piece, or a small scale drawing, has the ability to transform the atmosphere and give any space a whole new feeling.
OO: Do you have any tips on how to choose art for the workplace?
TM: Here are our curators’ three key tips for choosing art for the workplace:
- Think about what will bring cohesion to your workplace: something that looks nice on the wall is one thing, but the best workplace art collections reference other aspects of your physical space, working culture and brand values.
- Be clear about what you want from the beginning, and search it down. It’s easy to end up with a collection of inoffensive abstract paintings on canvas in your office – which is great, if that’s what you are looking for. But be aware of the other options: do your research on what art you really like and search out artists and galleries who offer it.
- Budget realistically. Spend some time looking at online platforms like Rise Art to get an idea of what you can acquire at different price points and set your expectations based on this. You don’t have to be a big spender – you can pick up digital prints for less than £100 a piece – but it will make the selection process much easier if you know what type of work your budget will allow.
OO: What advice do you have for those who are new to buying and/or collecting art?
TM: Whether you’re looking to start collecting art for your workspace or for your home, our number one piece of advice is to make sure you are purchasing something that you love. Living with art means seeing it everyday, noticing new elements within it, and creating new memories around it.
If you are looking to collect are from more of an investment angle, it’s also important to research the artist, get an idea of their professional history, practise and pricing. Collecting for investment means there are more factors to consider than whether you love the artwork or not.
Our final piece of advice would be to think about where the artwork you are looking to purchase will exist. If you are building on an existing collection, consider the pieces you already have, and whether the new piece you want would work with your other works.
OO: Can you share 3 exciting new artists on the platform?
TM: We have a new group exhibition, opening on the 29th July. The exhibition, Emergence shows the work of 20 artists, who will all join Rise Art. There are so many exciting new artists showing in the exhibition and joining the platform, including Hidetaka Suzuki, Trine Bork and Robbie Bushe. More of our latest artists can be found here.
OO: Where can we follow you?
TM: You can follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, or you can visit riseart.com, where our curators are on hand to help you discover new art and advise you on purchasing and collecting.
Images courtesy of Rise Art. Top image: Mother Avatar Asleep by Trine Bork; Waiting for nothing by Harriet Gillett
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