A Journey Into the Colorful World of Open Impressionism: Erin Hanson x Samsung Art Store
“I know my pieces are influencing AI models and millions of digital paintings. While I’m not sure where this trend will lead, I do know that original art created by humans will always be the basis of any technology in the future.”
– Erin Hanson, painter
Erin Hanson’s artistic journey is as vivid as the landscapes she paints. Drawing from the dramatic hues of Red Rock Canyon in Nevada and the Pacific coast, Hanson uses bold colors and textured brushstrokes in her signature style of “Open Impressionism.”
Through Samsung’s long-standing partnership with Saatchi Art, customers can access her unique works and access her colorful world on Samsung Art Store. Samsung Newsroom sat down with Hanson to discuss the scenery that inspires her and hear how technology is blurring boundaries in the art world by merging the physical with the digital.
▲ Erin Hanson
Letting Creativity Bloom
Q: Tell us a bit about your artistic journey. When did you begin painting?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be an artist. I started with oil paintings when I was 8 years old and explored other mediums — but I was always drawn back to oils since that’s what the masters painted in. When I hold a brush full of buttery paint and breathe in the smell of oils, I feel directly connected to the great painters of the past.
Q: Please tell us more about Open Impressionism.
People kept telling me that my paintings were distinctive and instantly recognizable, so I formed the term Open Impressionism after I had crafted about 400 paintings in this unique style. My focus is on color, light and the feeling of being surrounded by beauty in the outdoors. I call my style “open” because my inspiration comes from open-air landscapes. I use the impasto technique and keep my impressionistic paintings highly textured without smearing or blending colors. Through decisive brushstrokes, I let the underpainting peek out to give my works the appearance of stained glass or a mosaic.
▲ Dawning Saguaro (2021)
Q: Your paintings often feature stunning natural landscapes. What are your favorite locations? How have they influenced your creative process?
My first muses were the rocky landscapes of Nevada and southern Utah — the saturated colors of the scenic desert gave me endless subject matter whenever I went rock climbing at Red Rock Canyon. I’ve now explored many national parks and monuments including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon and Canyon de Chelly.
When I moved back to California, I started exploring Carmel and Mendocino on the Pacific coast. I fell in love with painting the vineyards, oak trees and rolling hills of California’s wine country. Yosemite and Lake Tahoe always draw me in with their dramatic colors and seasons.
“When I hold a brush full of buttery paint and breathe in the smell of oils, I feel directly connected to the great painters of the past.”
Framing Nature’s Beauty
Q: Your painting “Coastal Poppies II” is a favorite among users of The Frame. How did you translate this captivating piece for a digital platform?
“Coastal Poppies II” is inspired by one of my favorite coastal views in California, near Heart Castle and Big Sur. The painting brings me back to a time when the poppies were in full bloom, and I was standing alongside Highway 1 on the edge of the Pacific Coast — looking down into the rich aquamarine water with the salty ocean air blowing into my face. The contrast in colors and textures was so breathtaking that I completed four paintings in this series. The most recent was “Coastal Poppies IV” in 2022.
▲ Coastal Poppies II (2020)
“I formed the term Open Impressionism after I had crafted about 400 paintings in this unique style. My focus is on color, light and the feeling of being surrounded by beauty in the outdoors. I’ve [now] painted more than 3,000 oil pieces in [this] style”
Q: Can you share how you feel about your work being displayed on The Frame?
I like The Frame because the art is displayed on a wall, right where a real painting would hang. My fans and collectors can experience the brushstrokes and rhythms of texture within the painting which can be difficult to see on smaller displays.
I am also amazed at how well the Frame recreates the vibrant colors of my artwork. My impressionist paintings are all about color, and I love how the Frame captures the colors so accurately!
*Editor’s note: In 2024, The Frame became the first in the industry to earn the Pantone® Validated ArtfulColor certification. The Matte Display also minimizes light reflection to help viewers admire art under overhead room lights or even daylight.
Q: Out of all your pieces that users can display on The Frame, which are your top three picks?
My favorites are “Coastal Poppies II,” “Apple Blossoms” and “Cherry Blossoms.”
▲ Apple Blossoms (2023)
“Apple Blossoms” was inspired by a 30-year-old apple tree on my property. Since I moved up to the Willamette Valley in the Oregon wine country, I’ve been attracted to the four seasons in the Northwest.
▲ Cherry Blossom (2023)
“Cherry Blossom” captures a grove of blooming cherry trees near my gallery in McMinnville, Oregon. With pink cherry blossoms against a perfect blue sky, the painting is truly a harbinger of spring.
Q: “Apple Blossoms” will be part of Samsung Art Store’s April curated collection, “Spring in Bloom.” What can users expect?
The “Spring in Bloom” collection will capture everything there is to love about springtime. I live in Oregon, where spring arrives after a long, cold and wet winter. It feels like that moment in “The Wizard of Oz” when the world turns to technicolor — almost like someone flipped a switch one night, and the world is suddenly full of daffodils, mustard fields and flowering plum and cherry trees. I hope users get to experience that same kind of wonder and magic when they see this collection.
“My dream is to create an immersive Erin Hanson experience where people can step right into my paintings [in a digital environment] and be surrounded by moving pictures of my artwork”
Embracing Immersive Art Through Technology
Q: Can you share more about what drew you to work with Saatchi Art, a longtime partner of the Art Store?
Beyond showing its works on The Frame, Saatchi Art is the best online hub for showcasing original artwork. The art collection is well-curated, and there is an amazing variety of styles and mediums. The fact that there is something for everyone makes it a great way for collectors to find new artwork, again and again. I have been selling my work through Saatchi Art for over a decade now. The Saatchi team is always helpful and easy to work with.
Q: Traditional art galleries allow viewers to experience paintings in person and fully appreciate the texture, brushstrokes and scale. How do you think digital formats impact the way people engage with art?
I’ve painted more than 3,000 oil pieces in my Open Impressionism style — and truthfully, I struggled to find ways to share my work with fans and collectors. Although I have several coffee table books and many paper prints, the best way to share my collections is through digital formats.
For digital formats, we typically look for compositions that work well on a long, horizontal layout. To obtain such high-resolution images of my paintings, we use a large scanner in my gallery that takes up the entire room. The scanner photographs the paintings from above using five different light angles, so we can control the amount of shadow that is visible in the final images. This variation gives the illusion of three dimensions, so you can almost reach out and feel the brushstrokes.
In addition, we map my oil paintings to produce high-resolution, three-dimensional textured prints. They’re so lifelike that most people can’t tell the difference between the replica and the original.
My dream is to create an immersive Erin Hanson experience where people can step right into my paintings and be surrounded by moving pictures of my artwork. In a digital environment like this, visitors can appreciate a larger quantity of art than the dozen or so pieces they might see hanging in a gallery or festival setting.
Q: Do you see technology playing an increasingly significant role in the art world? If so, how do you anticipate this trend to unfold in the years to come?
I am sure technical innovators will continue to find new ways to create and share artwork. For example, bigger The Frame TVs would allow art lovers to display even larger works of art on their walls. I know my pieces are influencing AI models and millions of digital paintings. While I’m not sure where this trend will lead, I do know that original art created by humans will always be the basis of any technology in the future. A computer may be able to alter and combine different paintings to create a new piece, but the original images were all created by individual artists who viewed the world in their own distinct ways.
Q: Can you tell us about any upcoming projects?
This year, I am traveling to France to follow the footsteps of the impressionists and visit all the famously painted locations in Paris, trailing the Seine to Arles and Le Havre in southern France. I will be visiting the windowsill where Van Gogh sat and painted “Starry Night” and exploring the gardens Monet so famously painted. This has been a dream of mine for several years, and it is finally coming true. Afterward, I plan to create a collection of French-inspired works in homage to the 150th anniversary of the first impressionist exhibition.
The works from this collection, “Reflections of the Seine,” will be released in September. You can read more here: erinhanson.com/Event/ReflectionsoftheSeine.
Etihad’s A380 loves New York
- Etihad Airways’ A380 lands in New York JFK.
- Arriving just in time for the bustling summer travel season and the corporate travel market.
- The super-jumbo features The Residence, the iconic three-room suite in the sky, serving up an unparalleled flying experience.
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Airways flight EY1 from Abu Dhabi to New York arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday, 22 April, heralding the start of the airline’s A380 double-decker service featuring The Residence, the legendary, sumptuous three-room suite in the sky.
After a celebratory send-off in Abu Dhabi, Etihad pilots waved the US and UAE flags from the cockpit after the super-jumbo arrived on its stand in New York.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce our A380 experience to New York, confident that our guests will relish the exceptional onboard journey. Whether travelling in Economy, Business, First Class, or our luxurious three-room suite, The Residence, passengers can expect unparalleled service from our award-winning crew.
“We want to ensure guests arrive in the Big Apple feeling refreshed and at ease. This commitment is crucial for all our travellers, not least our corporate clients who rely on us for business travel, and we have timed our A380 services, so customers arrive in New York or Abu Dhabi in time to make good use of the business day, or for their onward connections.
“Introducing the A380 to the popular New York route aligns with our strategy to meet increasing customer demand and expand our network. It comes just three weeks after we launched our new route to Boston, our fourth US gateway, underlining our commitment to serving and growing the North American market.”
The addition of the A380 significantly boosts Etihad’s capacity in the vital US market, providing seamless and convenient connections to the broader Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.
The increase in capacity will also make it easier to attract a greater number of visitors eager to explore the dynamic attractions of Abu Dhabi and savour the premium leisure experience on offer from Etihad.
One of Etihad’s two daily flights to New York will be serviced by the A380, while the other will be operated by a 787-9, offering First, Business, and Economy cabins.
Welcome onboard
Every guest in Etihad’s A380 is treated to a unique and elevated experience. For those in Economy, a dedicated welcome area sets the tone. The cabin boasts 68 extra legroom seats with an additional 4 inches of space, along with 337 Economy Smart seats featuring Etihad’s signature fixed-wing headrests and large pillows for maximum comfort.
On the upper deck, the Business Studios™ provide an exclusive haven with 70 private spaces, ensuring a stress-free journey. The upper deck also houses The Lobby, a serviced lounge and bar area between the First and Business cabins. Collaborating with Armani/Casa, Etihad brings sophistication to the Business experience, offering premium ceramics, glassware, cutlery, and fabrics. Comprehensive Wi-Fi connection and extra levels of comfort and convenience make it easy for business travellers to remain productive and in touch.
First Apartments take luxury to new heights with nine private spaces, each equipped with designer tableware, a spacious leather lounge chair, and a separate ottoman that transforms into an 80″ lie-flat bed. First-class guests can enjoy personal vanity units and access to the exclusive First-class shower room.
The Residence
At the pinnacle of luxury is The Residence, the world’s only three-room suite in the sky. Accommodating up to two guests, The Residence features a private living room, bedroom, and ensuite bathroom, complete with a shower at 40,000 feet. A dedicated team of Etihad cabin crew ensures unparalleled service.
Guests in The Residence can indulge in a culinary journey with an à la carte menu, served on designer tableware in the private living room, or even opt for breakfast in bed. From gourmet cuisine to champagne and caviar, The Residence Signature High Tea offers a range of lavish options.
UAE’s AML/CTF Executive Office hosts FATF training workshop in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI, 22nd April, 2024 (WAM) — The UAE’s Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (EO AML/CTF) hosted a joint Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and MENAFATF workshop on FATF standards, delivered by the FATF Training Institute.
The FATF Standards Training Course was held over a full week in Abu Dhabi with 28 participants from among the MENAFATF’s 21 countries, representing the UAE, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Morocco.
Commenting on event, Hamid AlZaabi, Director-General of the EO AML/CTF, drew attention to the critical role of training and building capacities in ensuring the effective implementation of FATF standards. He explained, “Financial crime is global in nature today, which means that to be successful in combatting it requires not only international cooperation but deep understanding of standards that prevents criminals from finding opportunities in the gaps between national AML/CFT systems.
“The most important global set of standards are the FATF 40 Recommendations for technical compliance and 11 Immediate Outcomes (IOs) for effectiveness ratings and professionals working for national AML/CFT organisations must have a high level of familiarisation with them.”
He added, “For this reason, I am delighted that the UAE is hosting this important FATF/MENAFATF workshop and would like to thank the expert trainers from the FATF Training Institute for being generous with their sharing of knowledge and best practices.
“In the UAE, we have successfully increased the number of Emiratis FATF-certified assessors five times in the last three years, which demonstrates our commitment to enhancing our national capabilities according to our wise leadership vision. The development of our human capital is among the Executive Office of AML/CTF priorities. I would like to thank our partners in FATF Training Institute and MENAFATF Secretariat.”
Suliman Al Jabrin, Executive Secretary of MENAFATF, added that knowledge exchange is an important feature of the regional body’s mission. He remarked, “The FATF Standards Training Course is a key date in the MENAFATF calendar because it brings together expert trainers with professionals from our member states with the shared goal of increasing compliance with the FATF standards. Over the years, the MENA region has made significant progress in detecting and preventing money laundering and the financing of terrorism and there is no doubt that capacity building has been a major reason for this. I would like to thank the team from the FATF Training Institute for their efforts this week”.
Joëll Godard, Head of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Training Institute, delivered the welcome remarks and emphasised the importance of ongoing compliance. He commented, “Our focus on providing training on the FATF Standards to MENAFATF member states complements the FATF’s goal of promoting worldwide collaboration in combating financial crimes. This includes the MENA region, where it’s imperative to establish a network of proficient local professionals within Middle Eastern jurisdictions. This ensures a continual improvement in compliance with FATF standards”.
The FATF Standards Training Course provided an overview of the FATF and the FATF standards, before featuring sessions on each of the 11 Immediate Outcomes (IOs).
The sessions included: Risk in context and understanding risk (IO1); Domestic coordination and information sharing (IO1); International cooperation (IO2); Preventative measures (IO3 and IO4); Risk-based supervision for Financial Institutions and Designated Non-Financial Professions and Businesses (IO3 and IO4); Beneficial Ownership (IO5); Financial Intelligence (IO6); Money Laundering Investigations (IO7); Asset Confiscation (IO8); Terrorism Financing investigations and prosecutions (IO9); Terrorism Financing and Non-Profit Organisations (IO10); Targeted Financial Sanctions Terrorism Financing (IO10); and Targeted Financial Sanctions Proliferation Financing (IO11).
Participants also took part in various interactive exercises requiring the application of the standards covered during the sessions to assess real-world scenarios. It was conducted to measure the understanding of participants and how to apply technical compliance and effectiveness concepts in real life using a tailored case study. The agenda concluded with a presentation by the MENAFATF secretariat and the presentation of certificates.
Hamdan bin Mohammed forms Board of Directors of Dubai Foundation for Women and Children
DUBAI, 22nd April, 2024 (WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, issued Executive Council Resolution No. (19) of 2024 forming the Board of Directors of Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, chaired by Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi.
As per the Resolution, Dr. Mona Issa Al Bahar serves as Vice Chairperson of the Foundation. Other members of the Board include Hessa Abdulrahman Tahlak, Mohammed Ali Rustom; Khaled Yahya Al Hosani; Sultan Abdulhamid Al Jamal; and the Director-General of the Foundation.
This Resolution is effective from the date of issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.
UAE President hosts official reception ceremony for Sultan of Oman
ABU DHABI, 22nd April, 2024 (WAM) — President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has hosted an official reception ceremony to mark the state visit to the UAE of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Sultan of Oman.
Upon arrival at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, the motorcade of His Majesty the Sultan, accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was met by a procession of riders on Arabian horses and camels, while Emirati folk groups performed in celebration of the visit.
His Highness joined His Majesty to inspect the guard of honour and witness performances of the UAE and Omani national anthems. The official reception ceremony also included a 21-gun artillery salute in honour of the Sultan’s visit and a flypast by the UAE Air Force aerobatics team Al Fursan, trailing smoke in the colours of the Omani flag.
His Highness the President and His Majesty were also met at Qasr Al Watan by groups of Emirati children waving the flags of both countries and chanting phrases to welcome the visit of the Sultan of Oman.
Abu Dhabi’s landmarks and streets were decorated with Omani flags and displayed messages welcoming His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and celebrating his visit to the country.
The official reception ceremony was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region; H.H. Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Adviser for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment; Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment; Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State; Faisal Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs; Mohammed bin Nakhira Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Oman; and a number of UAE senior officials.
His Majesty the Sultan is accompanied by a high-ranking official delegation comprising H.H. Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs; H.H. Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said, Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court; Gen. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nuamani, Minister of the Royal Office; Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Interior; Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister; Dr. Hamad bin Said Al Aufi, Head of the Private Office; Abdussalam bin Mohammed Al Murshidi, Chairman of Oman Investment Authority; Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion; and Sayyid Dr. Ahmed bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Ambassador of Oman to the UAE, and several senior officials.
Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed attends TVET Leaders Forum
ABU DHABI, 22nd April, 2024 (WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, has attended the TVET Leaders Forum, running alongside the 15th EmiratesSkills National Competition 2024, organised by Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET).
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed witnessed UAE national youth showcase technical and vocational skills and commended efforts to empower and upskill youth in technical and vocational skills to become future leaders.
UAE President holds dinner banquet at Qasr Al Watan in honour of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq
ABU DHABI, 22nd April, 2024 (WAM) — President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hosted a dinner banquet today at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi in honour of his brother, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Sultan of Oman, as part of the state visit to the UAE by His Majesty.
During the banquet, His Highness the President exchanged friendly conversations with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and guests, underscoring the strong fraternal ties that bind the two countries and their shared aim to continue advancing relations.
The banquet was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region; H.H. Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Adviser for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; in addition to a number of other sheikhs, several former UAE ambassadors to the Sultanate of Oman and senior officials.
The banquet was also attended by the delegation accompanying His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.
Gulf Air and BAS Forge Strategic Partnership to Enhance Aircraft Maintenance Training Experience
BAS Aircraft Engineering Training Center (BAETC) has partnered with Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, during which Gulf Air’s Technical Affairs Division will equip BAETC students with essential maintenance experience required to complete the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part 66 License. The agreement aims to bolster the competency and skill sets of Bahraini talents, particularly focusing on the development and empowerment of future aircraft engineers within a rapidly growing aircraft engineering and maintenance industry world-wide.
Under the agreement, Gulf Air will provide BAETC students with essential maintenance experience across several batches. The students will gain the necessary expertise by participating in maintenance activities carried out by the Gulf Air Technical Division, which will include Line Maintenance, Base Maintenance, and Workshop Maintenance to complete their EASA Part 66 Modules. On the occasion, a delegation from Gulf Air’s Technical Affairs Division and the BAS management team conducted an orientation visit to the Center. This induction program signifies the beginning of the project, which is anticipated to last for the next two years.
Commenting on the collaboration, Ms. Hana Abdulwahed, Chief Human Capital Officer at BAS, said: “We are pleased to be joining forces with Gulf Air to extend our expertise to their employees through internationally accredited and reputable training courses from BAETC. This agreement builds on our longstanding partnership with Gulf Air to provide high-quality training services approved by European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). BAETC continues to assist in forging the next generation of aviation specialists through a wide range of programs designed to establish leading professionals in the field.”
On his end, Mr. Mazin Saleh, Chief Technical Officer at Gulf Air, expressed: “We are delighted to be working alongside BAETC to equip their students with the skills they need to navigate the industry and prepare them for their EASA Part 66 License. Our partnership agreement with BAETC will serve to strengthen our well-established business ties with BAS, as we continue to invest in the training of future Bahraini aviation engineering and maintenance professionals.”
BAS Aircraft Engineering Training Centre is an internationally recognised and technologically advanced provider of formal aircraft engineering maintenance training. BAETC is the second training organisation outside the European Union and the first in the Middle East and Asia to have received Europe Aviation Safety Agency Approval for its training centre to deliver a wide range of EASA-approved courses, in addition to specialised courses. BAETC is also recognized by the Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA).
Samsung Unveils New Three-Part Docu-Series Celebrating the Skateboarding, Breaking and Surfing Communities on the Road to Paris 2024
Samsung Electronics, a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, today launched a new documentary series designed to spotlight skateboarding, breaking and surfing on the Road to Paris 2024. The series, produced in collaboration with the Street League Skateboarding (SLS), Pro Breaking Tour (PBT) and World Surf League (WSL), will feature three short docu-series: “Concrete Dreams,” “Breaking Boundaries” and “The Next Wave.”
The first in the series, “Concrete Dreams,” which spotlights the skateboarding community’s journey to the Olympics, is now live on Samsung’s YouTube Channel and will be screened for fans at the SLS San Diego championship tour event on April 20. The breaking and surfing series will be released on April 25 and May 21, respectively, and premiere at PBT’s Atlanta event and WSL’s event in Tahiti.
Starring sport legends Shaun Tomson, Eric Koston and David “Kid David” Shreibman alongside Olympic athletes Johanne Defay (Surfing, France), Sky Brown (Skateboarding, Great Britain), Grace “Sunny” Choi (Breaking, U.S.) and many more, the project celebrates the communities that lie at the heart of each sport as they get set to open themselves to the world this summer.
This new project is a key part of Samsung’s Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 campaign, ‘Open always wins,’ which claims that with an open mind, anything is possible — a motto these communities live by every day. Produced in collaboration with the SLS, PBT and WSL, the docu-series explores the iconic subcultures of each sport, their shared belief in openness and the impact that being part of the Olympic Games has on their communities — past, present and future.
The synopsis of the skateboarding documentary unveiled today is as follows:
- Concrete Dreams: From the birth of street skateboarding in the 1980s to its consecration at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, this is the story of a community built on one unspoken rule — respect. It encourages you to see the world in a different way, to go create and always get back up, no matter how often you fall.
The synopses of the next documentaries in the series are as follows:
- Breaking Boundaries: As breakers get ready for their Olympic Games Paris 2024 debut, this is the story of a global community born from the streets and shooting for the stars. It is a celebration of breaking as an explosion of energy and soul that gives you a sense of expression and belonging and encourages you to do something we’ve never seen before.
- The Next Wave: Surf legends and icons in the making share their story as they embark on their journey to Paris 2024. It is the ultimate love story between them and the ocean as they prepare to take that leap and a celebration of surf as a way of life, passed down to generations, and a culture that has not only survived but gotten stronger.
“Samsung is excited to support the skateboarding, breaking and surfing communities on their incredible journey to Paris 2024,” said Stephanie Choi, EVP & Head of Marketing of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We’re honored to tell their stories and help shine light on these communities to wider audiences through this docu-series. We hope they inspire many to push boundaries, support each other and always stay open.”
“We were really excited to partner with Samsung on this docu-series and share our story and our culture with the whole world,” said Tim Greenberg, WSL EVP, Content Strategy and Production. “Surfing is unlike any other sport on the planet. This is such an amazing opportunity to open up our community and celebrate what brings us all together.”
“This is a big year for us and our sport. The future of women surfers is really bright, and the Olympic Games give us that long-term vision,” said Johanne Defay (Surfing, France). “They are a chance for us to really show the world what surfing is all about. Not only our skill on the waves but what we stand for as a community — committed to giving back to our sport and our planet — and ‘The Next Wave’ truly honors that.”
“Everyone looks out for each other, that’s the special thing about having this small community,” said John John Florence (Surfing, U.S.). “It’s exciting to be able to open our community to the world with this documentary.”
“Finding skateboarding was like falling in love for the first time,” said Rayssa Leal (Skateboarding, Brazil). “I’m so excited to share our story with this documentary and show young girls what skateboarding is all about.”
“Skateboarding is a chance for people to show 100% of themselves and really push their own limits,” said Jagger Eaton (Skateboarding, U.S.). “What if you’re one morning away from making all your dreams come true? You never know how close you are to success. Hope you guys love the documentary as much as I did! I’m stoked to share our journey with you.”
“Skateboarding is all about freedom, you can just pick up your board and go anywhere. It’s like becoming a kid again,” said Aurelien Giraud (Skateboarding, France). “I hope our story inspires you to pick up that skateboard and enjoy the ride.”
“Breaking is special. When I’m dancing, it’s like nothing matters in the world except for me just being me,” said Grace “Sunny” Choi (Breaking, U.S.). “There’s going to be a lot of great opportunities coming out of the Olympic Games from the added awareness and hopefully also more parents wanting to put their kids into breaking. I hope this documentary makes you as excited as we are to share this culture with the world.”
“This was such an exciting project to be a part of,” said American skateboarding icon and entrepreneur, Eric Koston, who lent his perspective to “Concrete Dreams.” “Our sport has such a deep connection to film. To see these voices come together to celebrate our sport, our journey and our heritage is huge.”
In addition to the screenings at SLS, PBT and WSL events, the docu-series will go live on Samsung’s YouTube channel. Visit here to watch “Concrete Dreams” and check out the trailers for upcoming documentaries.
About Samsung’s Involvement in the Olympic Games
Samsung has been a Worldwide Olympic Partner since the Olympic Winter Games Nagano 1998. For over 25 years, athletes and fans have trusted Samsung’s transformative mobile technology to share the Olympic spirit globally and continue to shape the digital future of the Olympic Games for Paris 2024 and beyond. The company’s commitment to the Olympic Movement soon faces its fourth decade of partnership and extends through Los Angeles 2028. Samsung’s purposeful innovations in the wireless communications and computing equipment category, including equipment that features artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality and 5G will change the way the world experiences the Olympic Games.
About Samsung’s Involvement in the Paralympic Games
Samsung is a Worldwide Partner of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in the wireless communications and computing equipment category. Starting from Paralympic Winter Games Torino 2006, the company has proudly supported the Paralympic Movement and enabled athletes and fans around the world to share the excitement and inspiration of the Games through Samsung’s transformative mobile technology. Samsung’s commitment to the Paralympic Games will extend through to Los Angeles 2028 and be celebrated through innovative mobile and computing experiences powered by purposeful innovations in the wireless communications and computing equipment category, including equipment that features artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality and 5G.
About World Surf League
The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfing. The WSL oversees surfing’s global competitive landscape and sets the standard for elite performance in the most dynamic playing field in all of sports. With a firm commitment to its values, the WSL prioritizes the protection of the ocean, equality, and the sport’s rich heritage, while championing progression and innovation. For more information, visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
About Street League Skateboarding
Since its inception in 2010, Street League Skateboarding (SLS) has propelled street skateboarding from a collection of independent standalone events to a renowned global series. As pioneers of street skateboarding’s premium qualification system and competition format, SLS offers an amateur-to-professional pathway and creates thrilling live events across the globe. The SLS Championship Tour is recognized as the world’s premier professional street skateboarding competition. Events take place on custom-built, one-of-a-kind, SLS-certified plazas in major cities around the world, with the best in the sport competing for the highest stakes. For more information, visit StreetLeague.com.
About Pro Breaking Tour
The Pro Breaking Tour stands at the forefront of elevating Breaking, hosting premier competitive events that celebrate the dance form’s artistry, athleticism, and cultural heritage. Through our meticulously organized competitions, we aim to provide a dynamic platform for breakers to showcase their talents, while fostering a community rooted in respect, unity, and creative expression. Our mission is to spotlight the vibrancy of breaking on a global stage, encouraging growth and appreciation for this dynamic element of hip-hop culture. For more information, visit ProBreakingtour.com.
[Appendix]
Full Cast
Concrete Dreams
Sky Brown (Skateboarding, Great Britain), Team Samsung Galaxy
Jagger Eaton (Skateboarding, U.S.), Team Samsung Galaxy
Aurelien Giraud (Skateboarding, France), Team Samsung Galaxy
Rayssa Leal (Skateboarding, Brazil), Team Samsung Galaxy
Chris Cote, Journalist
Eric Koston, Professional skateboarder
Breaking Boundaries
Sunny Choi (Breaking, U.S.), Team Samsung Galaxy
Karam Singh (Breaking, Great Britain), Team Samsung Galaxy
David “Kid David” Shreibman, B-Boy
Ken Swift, B-Boy
ROOKIE, FlowXL, Breaking crew
Wonyoung Baek, Breaking legend
Cheoljong Jeong, Breaking legend
Chris “CrosOne” Wright, Breaking legend
The Next Wave
Johanne Defay (Surfing, France), Team Samsung Galaxy
John John Florence (Surfing, U.S.), Team Samsung Galaxy
Jack Robinson (Surfing, Australia), Team Samsung Galaxy
Shaun Tomson, Surf legend
Moana Jones Wong, Professional surfer
Leah Dawson, Surfer
Ashton Goggans, Journalist