Art Of The Matter

There’s more to art in the corporate workplace than good aesthetics. It aids productivity besides being an investment, says Tanya Siqueira

The place we spend our time at affects the people we are and who we will become. Recent research has also shown that there is a clear relationship between how people view the area they work in and their productivity levels on the job. But it only takes a little to change the energy levels of a place. Some aestheticism maybe, which could double as an investment increasing in value with time. And hence, art in the workplace.

Offices and boardrooms are forever evolving and being redesigned, remodelled and restored much like the birth and rebirth of art through the centuries. The modern entrepreneur finds limitless possibilities for synergies between both these worlds that seem overtly in sharp contrast. As Kavinay Kishore, consultant, Delta Creative Workspace says, "I believe that years of research have actually shown the two to complement each other in ways that we could not ever imagine."

What Is Corporate Art?

There is a misunderstanding that art only refers to paintings. Kruti Garg, senior architect, Urban Innovations, Mumbai is eager to dispel this notion. She says, "When we talk about art, it may not only characterise wall paintings, as we normally understand it. While treating any interior space to an artistic transformation, the whole office area opens up like a canvas enabling one to sketch his/her ideas. Art, therefore would not only refer to paintings but also encompasses the broad spectrum of prints, posters, photographs and decorative art in the form of antique furniture, rugs, textile art, vases, candles etc." Incorporating these elements and placing them strategically based on a theme could make the space more personal and inspiring.

"To decide what type of art is best suited to a corporate environment will depend on the business and image the company wants to portray. At the moment some of the hottest selling art are paintings and prints caricatures and murals that are city or country specific," Garg adds.

Where To Start

Whether you are one of those self confessed art junkies or one of those unenlightened souls who compares Jackson Pollock's work to a road accident involving a paint truck, there is still hope. With increasing awareness, there are independent art advisors to help employers or executives pick out pieces of art. This trend has set in because of increased access to styles in the west through media, travel etc. There are many companies that offer consultancy services that help you pick out the kind of art you need and where you can place it.

Says Barbara Jennings, author of an eBook called, Pro Art Consulting, "For instance selecting art for the lobby of a company is important because it is the first area that a prospective client or employee sees. The work chosen should reflect the image of the company and be strong enough to command a degree of attention. Art is very important, because the choice conveys the identity and image of the company. It does much more than simply decorate a facility."

What an art consultant does is help employees or employers achieve the goals of the client, and this may entail some creative touches that do not literally fall into the typical 'art' category.

Kishore Donald, vice-president, Sporatic Industries Ltd, says, "Defining my workplace is an integral part of my productivity at work. I believe that my modest collection of four of MF Hussain's paintings lifts my mood. Besides, to me it also makes a statement of my tastes and is a reflection of my persona. Among my favourites are also two paintings by Jamini Roy."

Providing an example of the effectiveness of art in the workplace, Kishore recounts an incident where, "This one executive who loved deep sea fishing had one of his catches preserved and ready for mounting. It made an extraordinary impact in his office and was a great conversation piece."

What It Costs?

"If you truly appreciate art in its many forms, the price factor should not be a deterrent. Given the fact that it is an expensive hobby with basic paintings from lesser-known artists costing upward of Rs 3.5 lakh, I think it is always a planned buy and one that has significant value. Great art is always a wise investment," says Donald,

Also making the exercise difficult to estimate is that there are no standards associated to artwork. "The architect/consultant keeps in mind the tastes and image of the company while preparing a rough budget and implementing other design elements accordingly but coming to an exact figure is not possible because art acquisitions are often included in public relations budgeting or with furnishings," says Garg.

What Art Should Do For You?

Art in a corporate environment should enhance the workmanship of the employees along with making the customers more familiar and comfortable. Colours play a very important role in selecting accessories for your workplace and placing them as well. These are colours that can be derived from the logo of the company or a theme.

Colours along with the use of light can divide spaces and different areas. Design concepts, colour themes, campus environment, working pattern of the company would determine a type of art for a particular space. Artworks are also considered for inclusion depending on what is going on in the art scene with a view to including it in the company's environment. A good piece of art could be put to multiple purposes like promoting, selling and reflecting corporate culture and the USPs of the company.

And it is not confined to offices alone. As the frequent traveller may have noticed the idea of using art is even found in hospitals and airports. An outstanding example is the San Francisco International Airport. In 1980, the airport collaborated with the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco to create a museum in the airport. The goal was to capture the unique culture of the San Francisco Bay Area and to humanise the airport environment.