Regular Rotation of a 350-Piece Art Collection Made Possible by a Specialized "Art Barn" at Home Owners' Residence
In her new book, Art Living: Home Sweet Artwork, photography sensation Nicole England shares an intimate peek into some of the most stunning homes transformed by an exquisite blend of objects, artwork, and architecture.
"A well-designed home is essential for our overall wellbeing, especially one that boasts the things we adore - these are the items that stimulate us, inspire us, and carry the stories and memories that make them so precious," she tells our website.
The following excerpt reveals the eye-catching modern abode of art connoisseurs Tiffany Wood and Matthias Arndt, the dynamic duo behind Arndt Art Agency. With extensive experience living and immersing themselves in the art world, it's no wonder their residence is an extension of their illustrious career.
In Matthias' words, they'd always dreamt of building a home but lacked the time and focus until the stars aligned: the perfect piece of land, a lengthy partnership with architects CHROFI, and the decision to construct a family home and a space for part of their art collection.
Situated on a coastal landscape on the Mornington Peninsula [in Australia], this new house comprises a main residence and an extraordinary 'Art Shed' - a dedicated space to exhibit their frequently-changing, diverse art collection. This innovative fusion of two separate dwellings allows the couple to live amidst their art collection while the Art Shed serves as a playground for curation and exploration, where art takes on new meanings.
The two buildings harmonize with the land's topography but converse with each other: the Art Shed housed in a repurposed structure on the property; the residence a modern homestead-style construction. For Matthias and Tiffany, it was crucial their home did not feel like a exhibit hall, but rather a space to live with art organically and intuitively.
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There's a distinct sensibility to their collection, where old and new pieces seamlessly coexist. For instance, a 15th-century Lippo d'Andrea resides next to a contemporary Australian artwork by Del Kathryn Barton. The way they curate art is as fluid as the space it inhabits, with a nuanced, personal approach - a testament to their decades in the industry.
"We don't focus on a particular genre or region. We collect what sparks our interest, what we love," Matthias reveals. Pieces are swap-often, allowing the collection to remain vibrant and evolving. "Nothing stays in the same spot for too long. Our collection is adaptable," Tiffany notes.
Viewed as a 'living entity' that never stays still, their collection comprises around 350 works. Yet, it's the creative experimentation that fuels how these two bring their collection to life, especially within their residence. Picasso ceramics mingle with a vibrant Filipino textile by Marina Cruz, which takes center stage alongside a haunting portrait by Nigerian artist Collins Obijiaku.
While there's a certain global flair to their collection, the duo have found joy in Indigenous Australian art, from Sally Gabori to multi-talented First Nations artist Zaachariaha Fielding, since settling in Australia.
One of their most recent acquisitions is a custom dining table by Mexican artist Fabien Cappello, which brings a splash of color and craftsmanship to the terrace. Each piece reflects the couple's knack for blending old and new, national and international artistic influences.
Pick up your own copy of Art Living: Home Sweet Artwork from Amazon.
- In the Art Living: Home Sweet Artwork book, photography sensation Nicole England showcases homes that blend objects, artwork, and architecture, emphasizing the importance of home design for personal wellbeing.
- Art connoisseurs Tiffany Wood and Matthias Arndt, known for their renowned art agency, have transformed their home into an extension of their careers, creating a harmonious residence and an Art Shed for their diverse art collection.
- Subscribing to newsletters can keep individuals ahead of interior-design trends, providing trend forecasts, smart style ideas, and curated shopping inspiration that bring design to life.
- The home of Tiffany Wood and Matthias Arndt features a unique blend of old and new pieces from various regions, showcasing a personal collection that is adapted frequently to keep it vibrant and evolving, featuring works from Indigenous Australian artists as well as international artists.