Art
Curator Profile: Curatorial Director Erin Remington
Collecting art is meant to feel personal, not intimidating, as Saatchi Art’s Curatorial Director, Erin Remington, can attest. We chatted with Erin about following your instincts, mixing mediums with confidence, and the pieces she’s chosen to live with in her own home, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how our curators think about collecting—so you can feel more confident discovering art you love.
How did you become involved in the art world, and what drew you to curating?
I started, first and foremost, with a love for art and design. I ended up studying art history. I am drawn to interiors, and art felt like a natural reflection of that passion.
What advice would you give to someone buying their first piece of art?
Don’t overthink it! Art is meant to be enjoyed for a lifetime, and that can’t be rushed. And for a more practical step, I would go to Pinterest or magazines and pull images of multiple interiors and homes you are drawn to. Eventually, you will see trends and patterns of colors, compositions, and subject matter you are drawn to.
What’s currently hanging in your own home, and why did you choose it?
Over the years, I have collected quite a few pieces of art. But here are a few pieces that are truly special to me. I have a portrait by one of our Rising Stars, James Lipsius. I absolutely love the use of texture in his paintings and fell in love with this piece. I also have an abstracted landscape by Vasyl Kolodiy; his meditation series is a piece I know I will love for years. It is so calming, I never get sick of looking at it. And I also have a photograph from French photographer, Laurent Delhourne. He photographs many different parts of France and depicts daily life, and this is what drew me to this particular shot.
How do you think art enriches our daily lives?
My home is my sanctuary, and art plays a huge part in creating that feeling. It reflects my interests, passions, and personality, and I love that each piece brings its own unique story. Art enriches my daily life by making my home both inspiring and calming—a space that feels truly my own.
Where’s an underrated spot in the home to hang art?
Hallways! These are our transitional spaces in our home, and they lend themselves as spots where we can be a little more adventurous in our selections. A dining room or bedroom piece, you may want to be a little more selective in terms of colors or subject matter. But hallways tend to be a spot you can really show personality, humor, or something you wouldn’t generally want in a visible location.
What’s one thing you look at in an artist’s portfolio that tells you they’re going somewhere?
I look for consistency, a clear point of view, and unique elements that set the artist apart. When an artist has a cohesive body of work, typically at least a minimum of 8–10 pieces in a similar style, all executed with care and confidence, it signals that they’ve found their voice and are committed to developing it. That combination of vision, discipline, and originality is a strong indicator that they’re on a meaningful path forward.
What’s your approach to mixing different styles or mediums in one space?
This is a big yes for me! I love mixing different styles and mediums in a space. Don’t feel limited to just paintings or just photography; combining mediums adds depth and visual interest. It’s totally normal to gravitate toward one type of work, but it can be really rewarding to explore others, whether that’s encaustic pieces, mixed media, film photography, or even bronze sculpture. A thoughtful mix creates a much more dynamic and personal environment.
What’s a medium or style you didn’t appreciate until you really spent time with it?
Sculpture was a medium I didn’t fully appreciate until I spent more time with it. For a long time, it felt rooted in the past, something I studied in Art History classes rather than connected with personally. But working with so many incredible artists has completely changed that. I’m continually amazed by the sculptures being created today. We have artists who are mastering long-standing traditional practices, like marble carving, bronze work, and casting. It’s a true testament to their dedication. These mediums are not only expensive to pursue but also require years of training and craftsmanship. Seeing that level of commitment has given me a whole new appreciation for sculpture.
