News

Digital art now hanging in digital signage displays

Blackdove, Samsung partner to bring artworks to digital signage displays in homes, restaurants and commercial properties.

October 28, 2015

Digital art platform provider Blackdove announced it has partnered with Samsung Electronics America Inc., to develop the Blackdove Digital Canvas and bring dynamic motion art to life on the walls of private homes and commercial properties. Through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign launched online, consumers and businesses can pre-order the Blackdove Digital Canvas powered by Samsung's display technology, and begin building their own personalized galleries of digital artwork on extended-use digital signage display screens, according to the announcement.

The Blackdove Digital Canvas features Samsung's Smart Signage Platform 48- and 55-inch high-definition commercial display screens embedded with Blackdove software to provide consumers and businesses with a way to create and display their own personal digital art galleries. The black bezeled screens, which can be mounted horizontally or vertically, frame the art to maximize users' visual experiences. With three HDMI ports, the Blackdove-branded Samsung screens also provide users with the flexibility to watch television and connect with gaming systems, all from the same display. The MSRP for the Blackdove Digital Canvas is $999 for a 48-inch display and $1,499 for the 55-inch model. Special discounts and package pricing apply for Kickstarter backers, according to the announcement.

"Samsung aims to lead through innovation, and working closely with Blackdove gives us the ability to drive a new wave of transformation for businesses and high-end homes through the digital display of extraordinary motion art," said Ronald Gazzola, vice president of display marketing, Samsung Business. "With this collaboration, users will have the simple tools and exciting technology to deliver unmatched art viewing experiences."

To build a digital art collection, users can download the Blackdove mobile app on their Android or iOS devices to browse, purchase and stream pieces from a growing catalog of more than 400 original works created by digital artists throughout the world. By pressing "play" on their mobile device, users can create a dynamic art experience featuring a rotating collection of selected works displayed on the displays. The art is stored locally in the commercial-quality Samsung screen, allowing users to schedule their art collections for display during the hours they choose, without incurring additional streaming fees.

"Blackdove's mission is to raise awareness and appreciation of digital art and provide a platform that enhances the digital art experience for both artists and collectors," said Marc Billings, CEO of Blackdove. "Through our partnership with Samsung and shared commitment to innovation, we are able to deliver on our goal and provide art enthusiasts, gallery owners, interior designers and commercial developers with an out-of-the-box, robust, high-quality solution for displaying art work."

According to New York City gallerist Joseph Kraeutler, the solution will bring a new dimension of simplicity to art gallery enhancement. "Changing the art and refreshing the space in a house that is over 100 years old is quite a complicated process," Kraeutler said in the announcement. "With the Blackdove Digital Canvas, I am able to change the entire feel of a room with the touch of a button."

Ethan Smith, owner of New York City restaurant Hecho en Dumbo, concurred: "I was never able to change the artwork or ambiance of my restaurant because it took too much time, money and resources. With the new digital canvas from Blackdove and Samsung, I now have the freedom to change the environment in seconds to fit my clientele as the neighborhood and restaurant evolves. It provides us with a dynamic new tool to bring customers into the mindset we are creating here at Hecho."