Kunst-am-Bau-Kaufen.de together with our Spanish partner BENITO ARTIS is a specialized platform for high-quality European Art for Architecture, Public Buildings and Urban Spaces.
We connect architects, developers, public authorities and corporations with experienced European artists and curated artworks for international construction and infrastructure projects.
Our focus lies on Germany and Europe as cultural production hubs and on the world’s most relevant international markets for art-integrated architecture. We are located in Darmstadt near Frankfurt am Main, one of Europe’s most important financial, transportation and international business hubs. Having worked and studied for six years in India, China and Singapore, we understand the local markets.
Asia is one of the most dynamic global regions for architecture, infrastructure and urban development.
European Art for Architecture is increasingly commissioned to add cultural identity, international credibility and long-term value to landmark projects.
From our base in Darmstadt near Frankfurt, Germany, we support projects across East Asia and South Asia with curated European artworks and professional international project coordination.
European Art in Asia: Influence, Inspiration and Manga as a Contemporary Bridge
European art in Asia has developed through a continuous two-way exchange of influence and inspiration. On the one hand, Asian artists adopted European techniques such as realism, perspective and oil painting; on the other, European artists and designers incorporated Asian aesthetics, motifs and philosophies. This long-standing dialogue—now extended through Manga and contemporary visual culture—has produced hybrid styles that continue to shape global art today.
This exchange was historically driven by trade, diplomacy, missionary activity and colonial encounters, and later by academic study, global exhibitions and international artist mobility.
European Influence on Asian Art
Mughal & Persian Art (India / Iran)
European Jesuit missionaries introduced prints, engravings and painting techniques to Mughal and Persian courts. These influences led to:
- Increased realism and spatial depth in portraiture
- The adoption of European shading and modeling
- The integration of Western visual elements into Islamic art albums
Artists such as Muhammad Zaman exemplify this synthesis of European realism with Persian and Mughal traditions.
Chinese Art
In China, European Jesuits introduced oil painting, linear perspective and new enamel pigments. This led to:
- The development of falangcai (“foreign colors”) in porcelain decoration
- A visual fusion of Chinese brush techniques with European depth and perspective
The court painter Giuseppe Castiglione (Lang Shining) became a key figure, blending European realism with Chinese compositional principles in imperial art.
Japanese Art
Early European knowledge of Japan came through Jesuit reports, while later exchanges became more direct:
- Asian artists studied in European academies during the 19th century
- Raden Saleh (Indonesia) and Juan Luna (Philippines) gained international recognition after studying in Europe and introduced European academic styles to Asia
Japanese visual culture later evolved into distinctive modern forms—most notably Manga, which would eventually influence global art, architecture and popular culture.
20th Century to Contemporary Developments
During the New Culture Movement, Chinese artists increasingly adopted oil painting and Western academic methods.
Today, artistic exchange continues through:
- International residencies and academic programs
- Biennials and cultural institutions
- Cross-border collaborations in architecture, public art and urban culture
European Art Inspired by Asia
Chinoiserie
From the Rococo period onward, Europe developed a fascination with Asian aesthetics:
- Decorative arts, interiors and garden architecture incorporated Chinese motifs
- Pagodas, lacquerware and stylized landscapes became symbols of refinement
- Asian-inspired forms shaped European design language far beyond fine art
Orientalism
In the 19th century, European artists depicted Asian subjects through an exoticized lens:
- Paintings emphasized sensuality, atmosphere and narrative fantasy
- Artists such as Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur in Bali reflected both imagination and observation
This movement reveals as much about European perspectives as it does about Asia itself.
Manga as a Modern Cultural Connector
Manga represents a contemporary extension of the Europe–Asia artistic dialogue:
- Rooted in Japanese visual storytelling
- Influenced by both traditional Japanese art and Western illustration
- Now globally recognized and increasingly integrated into architecture, murals, public installations and urban art
In Europe and Asia alike, Manga-inspired art is used to:
- Engage younger audiences
- Animate public spaces and buildings
- Bridge popular culture with fine art and architectural expression
Manga today functions as a shared visual language, connecting European contemporary art, Asian cultural heritage and global urban culture.
Ongoing Global Dialogue
Contemporary exchange programs, institutional partnerships and exhibitions continue to connect Europe and Asia:
- Artist exchanges with leading academies such as CAFA (China)
- International biennials and urban art programs
- Architecture-led art projects integrating European concepts, Asian narratives and Manga-inspired aesthetics
Conclusion
From Mughal miniatures and Chinese porcelain to Ukiyo-e, Chinoiserie and Manga, the artistic relationship between Europe and Asia is defined by exchange, adaptation and reinvention.
Today, this dialogue continues through architecture, public art and contemporary visual culture, creating new forms that unite Eastern and Western aesthetics in a truly global artistic language.
China 🇨🇳 – Landmark Architecture & Urban Prestige
China is one of the largest and most influential global markets for architectural and public art, particularly in major metropolitan regions.
Key drivers:
- Large-scale urban development and landmark architecture
- Cultural districts, museums and public institutions
- International architects and developers active in major cities
- High demand for European artistic identity and cultural positioning
Typical projects:
- Museums and cultural institutions
- Business districts and mixed-use developments
- Public buildings and civic spaces
- Airports, transportation hubs and urban infrastructure
European Art for Architecture is used to differentiate flagship projects and to add international cultural value.
India 🇮🇳 – High-Growth Infrastructure & Institutional Projects
India is among the fastest-growing global markets for construction and urban development, with increasing integration of art into architecture.
Key drivers:
- Major investments in infrastructure and transportation
- New universities, research campuses and public institutions
- Smart city initiatives and urban regeneration
- Strong interest in European design standards and artistic quality
Typical projects:
- Government and institutional buildings
- Universities and educational campuses
- Airports, metro stations and transportation projects
- Corporate headquarters and mixed-use developments
European Art for Architecture supports international visibility, cultural distinction and long-term quality in Indian landmark projects.
Japan 🇯🇵 – Precision, Quality & Cultural Integration
Japan represents a highly sophisticated market for architecture and art, with strong emphasis on quality, precision and long-term durability.
Key drivers:
- Architecture with strong cultural and conceptual depth
- Integration of art into public, corporate and institutional buildings
- Appreciation for European craftsmanship and material excellence
Typical projects:
- Public and municipal buildings
- Corporate headquarters and research facilities
- Cultural institutions and museums
- Transportation and infrastructure projects
European Art for Architecture complements Japanese architecture through conceptual clarity, material quality and cultural dialogue.
South Korea 🇰🇷 – Innovation, Urban Identity & Design Excellence
South Korea is a rapidly developing market for high-end architecture and urban design, especially in metropolitan areas.
Key drivers:
- Large-scale urban redevelopment and smart city projects
- Cultural institutions and innovation hubs
- Strong collaboration with international architects
Typical projects:
- Cultural and educational buildings
- Government and municipal projects
- Corporate headquarters and mixed-use developments
- Public spaces and transportation infrastructure
European Art for Architecture enhances urban identity, innovation branding and international perception.
Singapore 🇸🇬 – Global Hub for Architecture & Public Space
Singapore is one of Asia’s most important international hubs for architecture, infrastructure and public space design.
Key drivers:
- Strong public investment in architecture and urban quality
- International developers and architectural firms
- High standards for durability, sustainability and execution
Typical projects:
- Government buildings and public institutions
- Transportation infrastructure and urban spaces
- Commercial architecture and landmark developments
European Art for Architecture aligns with Singapore’s focus on design excellence, quality and international standards.
Our Role in Asia-Pacific Projects
From Darmstadt / Frankfurt, Germany, we provide:
- Curated European Art for Architecture and Public Space
- Site-specific concepts aligned with local context
- Technical coordination with architects and planners
- Export logistics and international project management
We act as a reliable European partner for Asian projects that require artistic quality, technical reliability and international coordination.
What We Offer
Curated European Art for Construction Projects
- Site-specific artworks
- Sculptures, installations and integrated art elements
- Durable materials suitable for indoor and outdoor architecture
International Project Support
- Concept development aligned with architecture and usage
- Technical coordination with planners and construction teams
- Export, logistics and international project handling
For Public & Private Clients
- Public authorities and institutions
- Architects and planners
- Real estate developers
- Corporations and infrastructure operators
Why European Art for Architecture?
- Cultural credibility and artistic depth
- Proven experience with public procurement and compliance
- Strong tradition of integrating art into architecture
- High material and execution standards
European Art for Architecture combines aesthetic value, cultural identity and long-term durability — especially relevant for international landmark projects.
Typical Applications
- Art for government and public buildings
- Art for infrastructure and transportation projects
- Art for universities, research centers and hospitals
- Art for corporate headquarters and commercial architecture
- Art for urban spaces and regeneration projects
Kunst-am-Bau-Kaufen.de – Your International Partner
We position European art where architecture shapes identity — in the world’s most relevant markets for Art in Architecture and Public Space.
From Germany and Europe to Asia – China, India, Singapore and beyond, we support projects that demand artistic quality, technical reliability and international experience.