Art News

7 Things To Know This Week In Art

 #1: World’s Largest Mural Created for NuArt 2015

Klepp, Rogaland in Norway gets the world’s largest mural, entitled “Lilith and Olaf” [Juxtapoz]

Norway got a new local landmark this week in the form of a sprawling 21,000 square meter mural on a rooftop in Rogaland. French artist duo Ella & Pitr created the mural for the tenth edition of NuArt, an independent art festival that supports urban and street art, held annually in Norway.

Completed in an impressive four day push with the help of volunteers, the mural depicts a large, curled up woman in casual attire, and a small(er) crowned figure. Appearing to have just slipped from her fingers, the small figure depicted is King Olaf I of Norway, who ruled from 995 to 1000. He is said to have come from a islet nearby the Block Berge Bygg building the mural sits atop.

The official unveiling of this tremendous feat will take place September 4th, and be open to the public thereafter.

Read more about Ella & Pitr’s mural on Juxtapoz.

Keep up with eye-catching art around the world by following Saatchi Art on Facebook and Instagram.

#2: New Book Gives Exclusive Studio Visits with Famous Artists

Inside the studio of contemporary artist Tara Donovan, whose incredible abstract sculptures created from everyday objects (like straws) have been exhibited all over the world [ArtNet News]

Much can be learned from an artist’s studio space. Tools of creation, materials, and organization in an artist’s space reveal a great deal about their process and philosophy. An artist himself, Joe Fig sought to learn more about how other artists work, and what lessons can be gleaned. Joe visited the studio of over 120 noted contemporary artists all over, questioning them about minutiae such as their motto and their favorite color. Each artist’s story reveals a memory or event that resonates in shared experience, assuaging anxieties many emerging artists struggle with. Judy Pfaff, American installation artist and MacArthur Fellow recipient, refreshingly states, “I cannot stand work that feels as if I didn’t read the right French philosopher to understand it.”

Joe compiled his studio visits into a book, complete with studio photos and his own drawings and dioramas of the spaces he visited. Published by Princeton Architectural Press, Inside the Artist’s Studio will be released this October and will surely be a must-see. If you’re looking for inspiration in the meantime, check out our own studio visits, highlighting a new Saatchi Artist’s space each week.

Check out more sneak peaks from the forthcoming book.

#3: Saatchi Art Improves Buying Experience with ‘Multiple Images’

 See a front view and side view of Krista Berga’s bronze sculpture, entitled “My Warsaw Isn’t Your Warsaw”

Exciting news for artists – Saatchi Art introduced a new feature allowing multiple images of work to be uploaded! Each art detail page now supports up to 5 images, offering browsers an in depth glance at a work’s intricate details, different angles, or even the work on display in a home.

Giving collectors a more comprehensive view of your work is an invaluable asset when it comes time for decision making. We’re constantly looking to make the process of buying and selling art on Saatchi Art a more pleasant and seamless experience; this new feature is no exception.

Uploading multiple images is easy – our step-by-step guide breaks it down for you.

#4: Artist Noah Davis Dies at 32

Noah Davis working in his studio [LA Times]

The art world was devastated this week when Noah Davis lost his battle with cancer, passing at 32. The late artist founded the Underground Museum, a nonprofit artist-run space in Arlington Heights, Los Angeles. Davis was a highly accomplished painter and installation artist, establishing his own studio space at the young age of 17. His darkly surreal paintings present forlorn figures in shadowy landscapes, exploring a divergent and more honest representation of African American experience.

Throughout his short career, Davis’ artwork was displayed among noted contemporary artists, including Kara Walker and David Hammonds. In recent years he began to exhibit installations at his Underground Museum that re-created works by artists such as Jeff Koons, subverting art considered highbrow. These installations are now on display at MOCA, Los Angeles, and chief curator Helen Molesworth will continue to install future additions under the plan Davis left. Survived by his wife, mother, brother and 5 year old son, Davis’ death is a huge loss for Los Angeles and the art world at large.

Learn more about Noah Davis’ life and work in his obituary on Art News.

#5: Tilen Ti’s Lively Watercolors Jump Off the Page

Hummingbird watercolor by Tilen Ti [Bored Panda]

We love Tilen Ti’s watercolor compositions, featured this week on Bored Panda. His vivid use of the paint retains the airy nature of its makeup, letting colorful splotches punctuate clean lines. Tilen work relies on the power of color and he plays with playful combinations to evoke a spirited emotion in his works. In addition to his lovable creatures, Tilen applies his skilled brush to landscapes as well.

Discover Tilen Ti’s watercolors available on Saatchi Art.

#6: Maps Are the Canvas for Ed Fairburn’s Portraits

Human faces blend with typographic mountains and roads in Ed Fairburn’s portraits [Hi Fructose]

At its best, art offers viewers an alternate perspective to reality, asking them to consider what is known from a different angle. Ed Fairburn’s portraits do just that, using a map and ink to fashion his portraits. Human faces materialize out of geographic markings, themselves echoing veins and capillaries that lurk just under the skin. Looking at this incredible series also deepens the connection between humans and their landscape, visually marrying two entities that exist symbiotically. Ed’s skilled portraits rouse a sense that there’s a human face found on every map.

Check out more of Ed’s portraits on Hi Fructose.

#7: Made in the U.S.A

“El Mirage – Triptych,” digital photograph by Oliver Pojzman, in our collection of work by artists in the U.S.A.

The first Monday in September marks the American holiday known as Labor Day. The idea was first proposed in 1882, intended as a celebration of the hard labor Americans endured throughout the year and in support of trade and labor organizations. After labor strikes intensified in coming years, Congress approved it as a national holiday in 1894, in an effort to assuage the strikers.

Today Labor Day celebrations continue as workers enjoy an extended weekend off. Lucky for you, we’ve got some perks that everyone can enjoy. Our curators put together a fresh selection of works from art made in the U.S.A., and we’ve got a special offer to help you save on the art you love.

While America celebrates Labor Day, you can enjoy 15% off on art purchases of $500 or more at Saatchi Art. Use code LABORDAY at checkout.

Limited time offer, good only through the long weekend.