Image via Complex Original
If there's anyone out there who surrounds himself with art in every aspect of his life, it's Swizz Beatz. Not only does Swizz make art, collaborating with Marcelo Eco and painting on car hoods for Jay-Z, he also works to discover and promote new artists, like 13-year-old street artist Skyler Grey. Jeffrey Deitch, the former director of MOCA, even compared him to Jean-Michel Basquiat. As such a committed art enthusiast, Swizz has turned his Instagram into a platform for fostering creativity and embracing #ArtLife. Here's our guide on How to Live the #ArtLife According to Swizz Beatz.
RELATED: Swizz Beatz Says the Art World Is the New Music World
RELATED: There Is Photo Evidence of Swizz Beatz and Damien Hirst Collaborating on an Art Project
Praise Your Friends for Embracing the Arts
Between Swizz Beatz and Drake, hip-hop isn't the only passion they share. Swizz recently took to Instagram to praise the Nothing Was The Same rapper for his latest cover by Kadir Nelson, the same artist who painted Cleaned Cotton in 2011, pictured above.
Introduce Art via Instagram
Whenever Swizz stumbles upon a great work or is introduced to an artist he admires, he shares his experiences with fans on Instagram. In fact, he recently met Snarkitecture's Daniel Arsham through Pharrell and snapped photos of his favorite pieces by the sculptor.
In addition, Swizz also shows love for lesser known names and aspiring artists. He shared a painting from Hung Liu's Questions from the Sky, currently on view at the San Jose Museum of Art until September 29. He also gave a shout-out to Skyler Grey, a 13-year-old street artist who recently held his first solo exhibition at Lab Art Gallery in L.A.
An all around supporter of any form of art, Swizz regrammed a display of clocks from Clock Work Cros' Artist Collection just days ago. On sale are various clocks, featuring the faces of great artists like Frida Kahlo, Vincent van Gogh, Takashi Murakami, and even Swizz Beatz himself.
Chill with Artists Regularly
It's as Swizz says in a selfie shot in front of a piece by the Japanese pop artist Takashi Murakami, "Surround yourself with greatness." Because when great minds come together, greater ideas flourish. Not to mention the fact that artists are really dope people to be around. Swizz knows, frequently meeting up with the likes of KAWS, David Rockwell, and JR. Even when Swizz was in Brazil collaborating with Marcelo Eco, he spent his down time chilling with local street artists there, depicted in the video below.
And last week, Swizz Instragrammed a photo of Woodkid, JR, Pharrell, and him at the opening of the Galerie Perrotin, where he also told the New York Times that "the art world is the new music world." Sounds like we can expect even greater things from these artistic masterminds.
Instagram Inspiring Stories Related to Art
Life for many aspiring and even established artists can be tough. Swizz recognizes this, having traveled the world to meet many young artists trying to make it. Not only does he promote others' works, he shares these stories to continue sending out those good vibes.
Cultivate Your Significant Other's Taste for Fine Art
There's nothing like sharing a common love with the one you love. When Swizz was in Brazil teaming up with Marcelo Eco, he had wifey Alicia Keys strike a pose in front of his latest creation.
Make Art and Collaborate With Fellow Artists
While Swizz has a penchant for discovering new art, he doesn't stray from his paints or canvases for long. He recently completed a mural with Marcelo Eco, and while he isn't collaborating with others, he's working in his own studio.
Collect Art
We know from this New York Times profile that Swizz already has paintings by Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Sam Francis in his home. But like any art enthusiast, Swizz wants to expand on his collection. This mural by Greg Mike and piece by SWOON are just two of what Swizz wouldn't mind adding to his collection.
Wear Apparel That Signifies Your Art Taste
The clothes you wear are in themselves a form of art. Check out this art world swag if you don't believe us. Swizz wears apparel that flaunts his taste in art. Peep the iconic Keith Haring figures on those Timberland boots.
Explore New Art
Swizz is constantly on the lookout for new street art. During his time in Brazil, he took it upon himself to snap photos and share a quick Instagram video of the murals in Favelas. Nothing like expanding your horizons.
Share Fan Art
It's one thing to amass a collection of amazing art from fans. Swizz, however, Instagrams and shouts out to the creators of the dope paintings and designs he receives.
