Thierry B Fine Art: Artwork Influences
Art encompasses a wide variety of media, and affects everyone who sees it in one way or another. Business owners are beginning to understand that displaying artwork in the workplace does more than make the office more aesthetically pleasing or impress visitors; it can actually increase employee efficiency, productivity, and creativity.
“We are uncovering genuine links between the psychological use of space and levels of well-being, satisfaction, and crucially, productivity at work. Not only does office design determine whether or not peoples’ backs ache, it influences how much they accomplish, how much initiative they take and their overall professional satisfaction. Employers rarely consider these psychological ramifications – but they should because paying more attention to workspace design can boost employees’ well-being and productivity at minimal cost”. Dr.Craig Knight, head of Identity Realization Research Group at University of Exeter whose mission is to improves lives and increase businesses’ effectiveness and profit.
Art inspires and unlocks creative potential. When people are faced with an impressive painting or photograph, they often feel inspired by the work. This is why motivational posters often include photographs of magnificent sunsets, towering trees and mountains, or feats of athleticism. The inspiration that one feels upon looking at art unlocks creative potential, helping to generate innovative ideas. Innovative ideas in turn lead to new business practices and promotional campaigns, which ultimately create economic growth.
It is certainly a philosophy that Deutsche Bank is on board with. The German investment bank has the biggest collection of corporate art in the world, with some 60,000 art works across 900 offices in 40 countries. There is an interactive app which tells employees more about the works they are looking at and an “Arthothek”, a place people can stop by and ask an expert for advice when it comes to choosing an artwork for the office. The bank also hosts talks by artists.
“It isn’t often bankers get to talk to artists,” says Friedhelm Hütte, global head of art at Deutsche Bank. “Art offers a window into the social, political and economic aesthetics around the world and this makes it a good inspirational fit for our business because we live on developing new ideas for clients and reacting to what is happening in the world.”
The bank likes to buy work from contemporary artists, with a focus on original drawings and photographs. “We like things which are innovative and spontaneous, which capture that moment when an idea first becomes visible,” explains Hütte.
Art affects the atmosphere of a room. Romantic artwork with pastoral scenes of nature tends to evoke feelings of peace or content in most viewers. A company that hangs photographs and paintings of peaceful, natural settings will help their employees to feel happy and content, and it will create a general sense of calm in the office. Similarly, a piece of artwork can add personality to a space in or around the office, making it a gathering place for employees during breaks.
Art improves employee experiences. One survey of employees working in offices with artwork showed that 83 percent of the employees felt that artwork was important in the work environment. Of those employees, 73 percent also said that their perceptions of their workplace and their work experiences would change if the art were removed. By stimulating ideas, promoting feelings of calm, and giving employees something beautiful to look at where they spend the majority of their day, art can truly make a huge difference in employee satisfaction, productivity, and wellbeing.
For further information on the paintings or to view, our gallery hours are Monday - Saturday 11am - 5pm, 531A High St, Prahran, 3181 or by appointment on +613 9525 0071.
Vicki
