English is below.

第8回のテーマは、
「なぜアートは空間に必要なのか──欧米での習慣とアートの潜在的ポテンシャル」。

欧米の暮らしでは当たり前のようにアートが空間に溶け込んでいますが、そこにはどんな文化的背景や意味があるのでしょうか？
また、アートはただの装飾ではなく、人の心や空間の“質”にどんな影響を与えるのでしょうか？

このエピソードでは、アートが空間に果たす役割や、心理的な作用、素材としての可能性、そしていくつかの実例を交えてお話しします。
空間づくりやアートに関心のある方に、ヒントやインスピレーションをお届けできれば嬉しいです。

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Episode 8: "Why Art Is Essential in Spaces — Western Customs and the Untapped Potential of Art"

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Script (for reading)

Hello, I’m Hiromi Kim.
In this podcast, I explore stories related to art, materials, and spatial design, diving deep into a single theme each episode from the perspective of design and culture.

Today’s theme is:
"Why Art Is Essential in Spaces — Western Customs and the Untapped Potential of Art."

Have you ever visited someone’s home and found yourself captivated by the artwork displayed on their walls?
In many Western homes, art isn’t just part of the interior decor — it’s a form of self-expression embedded in daily life.

For instance, in Europe, since the Renaissance, displaying paintings and sculptures at home has symbolized one’s cultural sophistication and social standing.
Even today, many households have “gallery walls,” combining photographs and artworks to reflect personal values and life stories.
Art is not merely decoration; it’s like a language that speaks through the space.

So, why is art considered necessary in a space?

First, there’s a psychological aspect.
Colors, shapes, and composition influence not only our visual senses but also our emotions and thoughts.
For example, artworks that use natural materials or organic lines have been scientifically shown to reduce stress and enhance calm and focus.

Moreover, art elevates the quality of a space.
Even a single piece on a plain wall can add a sense of narrative to the room.
This is why art is increasingly used in hotels and offices — to express a brand’s values or philosophy.

Another important aspect is that art facilitates human connection.
“It’s an interesting piece,” or “Where did you find it?” —
Art can spark natural conversations and act as a bridge between people, offering both emotional resonance and a point of dialogue.

I’d also like to touch on the untapped potential of art.
Not only two-dimensional pieces, but also sculptural works add a tactile, atmospheric layer of sensation to a space.
They change with the light and deepen their presence over time —
art becomes a way to mark time within a space.

In addition, sustainable materials like hemp, which I work with personally, can also convey ethical living and our connection with nature.
Placing art in a space, I believe, is a deeply fundamental act —
it transforms that space into a place of meaning.

Let me share a few real-life examples.

In an apartment in SoHo, New York, abstract paintings and travel photos are arranged harmoniously on the walls, creating a personal story of “travel and memory.”
At a boutique hotel in London, naturally dyed textile artworks in the lobby express a harmony between nature and city life, inviting guests to relax.
And in a design office in Tokyo, acoustic hemp wall pieces are used to create a quiet yet creative atmosphere.

Each of these examples shows how art enhances the quality of a space.

What did you think?
I hope today’s episode offers a spark of inspiration — whether you're involved in spatial design, engaged in the arts, or simply exploring new forms of expression.
If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you could subscribe or follow the show.

Thank you for listening all the way to the end.
This was Hiromi Kim.