The Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle once said, “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance”. It’s an apt summation of the power that art has in evoking our emotions, impacting our surrounds, and transforming the walls in which we live.

 

 

 

Similar emotions appear during the process of buying or selling real estate, and it’s no surprise that art plays an integral role in bringing to life a home’s past, and future, for a potential new owner. Art triggers an emotional response many other features or elements of a home cannot, and in our love for it all, we turn to it to create an attachment, a want to see more, or be part of the story

 

 

Whether it’s a bold painting, a serene landscape, sculpture, photograph, a found object, an intriguing video, or perspective-inducing light installation, art has the ability to elevate the aesthetic value of a home, and captivate guests.

 

Someone likely to agree that art is far more than a decorative element (with artists often referred to as our social conscience, for their ability to reflect the world back to us) is Michelle Paterson. The Founder and Director of M Contemporary Gallery in Sydney’s Darlinghurst, Michelle tells BresicWhitney that exposure to art in our lives and our homes makes us more compassionate and open to new ideas. “Without art our life would not be nearly as rich,” she says.

 

“I don’t think there is anything that personalises a space more than art. Art is a visual language that gives places and spaces character, emotion and connection. Architecture and interior design follow trends but art is what makes the space truly unique.”

It’s a passion she’s delved into further in recent years with the service offering of .M Curated Interiors, a way for people to lease artworks when presenting a space for homebuyers and beyond. BresicWhitney knows firsthand the transformative power of such a service, with many of our listed homes capturing public attention after its styling, art and photography was perfected.

 

 

The aim is to show people what it is like to live with art, that everyone has the opportunity to surround themselves with beautiful unique works and that living with art is accessible,” Michelle says.

“Through our experience and knowledge, we are able to place iconic and original artworks in specific spaces that contribute towards achieving top results.”

With so much more to statements pieces than just the colour and the shape, Michelle encourages people to ask key questions.

“What do I like about this work?” Michelle says. “Does it continue to interest me? Is it intellectually inspiring? Does it promote thought and discussion? Will you be left with a substandard piece that simply matches the sofa?” are such ideas worth pondering.

Some of Michelle’s more unique collaborations have come from working with BresicWhitney’s Shannan Whitney, including transforming a warehouse into a sculpture gallery; a process which involved suspending large objects from the ceiling, and placing 3-metre-wide artworks in modestly sized rooms to create drama, and showcase the potential of the property in question.

 

I want people to connect with the space and see themselves living there, inspiring them and showcasing the full power of the space,” Michelle says. “Because we place high-value original artworks in these situations it elevates the space to another level.”

As Michelle confirms, it’s a departure from changing a space with traditional styling, soft furnishings, or curtains. While they can be carefully chosen for impact, such decisions soon become part of a space, inviting predictability over inspiration.

 

 

A daring artwork, on the other hand, will continue to spark conversation, stimulate the imagination, and foster a sense of curiosity and wonder. Whether it’s creating intimacy or amazement, art invites viewers to engage on a deeper level, as well as the ability to open dialogue and connection between a homeowner and their guests, agents and their clients, curators, and the consumer.

.M Curated Interiors
.M Contemporay Gallery