The much-awaited launch of the new Tate Modern is just a week away and, to make things even more exciting, an A-list celebrity will participate in it: Solange Knowles is creating “a unique video…[which is] inspired by and reflects artworks within the new space,” a representative confirmed.
Solange’s video will celebrate a new era of live art, film, and installations at Tate Modern. The revamp will increase the gallery floor space by 60 percent, allowing for the inclusion of more international works as well as diversity in form.
Beyoncé’s younger sister has been showing her interest in art for a few years. In 2013, she performed at Mickalene Thomas’ bar-installation “Better Days” at Art Basel. The next year, she was set to curate a selection of performances for the SELECT Fair’s amphitheater in Miami before she mysteriously pulled out.
But Solange is still a newcomer to the art scene and is the first to admit she’s not au fait with the artiquette of collecting and galleries. She even confessed to having commissioned her first piece from an artist she found on Tumblr, reports The New York Times.
A collaboration with Tate, however, is the real deal. She posted short preview clip on her Instagram account, which features four women clad in baby blue leotards emerging from a mesh cage.
“Creating and Composing something special for the @Tate Museum….and these beautiful babes who made my whole entire life,” she writes.
Filmmaker Alan Del Rio Oritz and photographer Carlota Guerrero will also be involved. The latter also posted an image of the “very special project” on her own Instagram.
A love of art runs in the family. Big sis Beyoncé and her husband Jay Z are familiar faces in the art fair circuit. Their collection is mostly shrouded in mystery, but includes works by David Hammons and Richard Prince.
Although they are regulars on the art scene, the Carter-Knowles clan don’t take themselves too seriously. The power couple famously turned art selfies into global phenomenon after a trip to the Louvre, and then visitors to Frieze London saw them snapping selfies either standing with the art or recreating it.
The viral trend, which prompted millions to emulate them, polarized the art world. Many were supportive of the “movement” as it encourages youth engagement with contemporary art, which, has recently gained currency in popular culture.
Others however, among them the chairman of the Arts Council England, have suggested imposing a ban on the somewhat obnoxious practice of art selfies.