Modern Luxury - For Art's Sake, by Shira Levine

Residential developers are investing in big-name public art for everyone to enjoy, proving that in today's luxury market art isn't just for private eyes.

"First impressions are everything," says Emily Santangelo (emilysantangelo.com), a residential real estate art curator who consults with both individuals and corporations to acquire museum-quality art. "And in Manhattan, the lobby is the first impression, what greets you at the door, " so it should evoke the feeling that you're walking into something grand and luxurious - after all, you're paying for it.

I met Santangelo at a cocktail party presenting the work of contemporary artist Orly Genger, whose sizable "Royal Rumble," a 103 1/2 x 45 1/2 inche watercolor on paper, did indeed greet, as it's on permanent display in the lobby of starchitect Christian de Portzamparc's 400 Park Avenue South (400pas.com). "Why shouldn't the entry to your multimillion-dollar building be just as well-appointed as your home?" asks Santangelo. "Art is not just the ultimate in luxury - it's the global standard of luxury."

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