New York-based multimedia and performance artist Rashaad Newsome just released the full set of music videos for five different tracks off Swag The Mix Tape, the soundtrack to his most recent exhibition, “Herald.” at Marlborough Gallery, New York.

You can download the mixtape here, which was produced by Newsome in collaboration with artists like Stefanos Koroneos, Kevin Jourdan Zion Prodigy, Laurie Anderson, Maluca Mala and a few others. But better yet, take our advice and let these videos transfix you…

Known for juxtaposing high and low culture, blending elements of contemporary rap culture with the iconography of aristocratical hierarchy, Newsome introduces us to his female royal court of swag suspended in seas of multi-colored pearls and hypnotic grills. Bodacious babes vogue inside their frames— bejeweled rims the new coat of arms, geometric glossy gams the new fleurs-de-lis.

First up:

“Painting Opponents Red”

Every March, the art world congregates in New York at the Armory Show and its surrounding fairs to see some of the newest and greatest pieces on the art market. The fair is divided into modern and contemporary art sections, and its breadth can be intimidating. But this shouldn’t discourage those seeking beautiful art––it’s there. This year’s show was chiseled down to just over 200 exhibitors (last year they were closer to 300), a decision that strengthened the fair and provided a more participatory experience. Viewers could engage in conversations with the artist and urban planner Theaster Gates, who was also the fair’s commissioned artist of 2012, or they could head to the Nordic section of the contemporary pier to see performances and get “FREE STUFF” (like posters and publications).

Børre Sæthre at Galerie Loevenbruck

Børre Sæthre at Galerie Loevenbruck


Marina Abromavic, The Communicator (13) at Sean Kelly

Marina Abromavic, The Communicator (14)

Gerard Byrne, Contact in 16 Possible Permutations at Lisson Gallery

James Casebere, Landscape with Houses (Dutchess County, NY) #4 at Lisson Gallery

Shirana Shahbazi, [Morteratsch-01-2011] at Galerie Bob van Orsouw

Dawn Clements, Jessica Drummond in Bed (My Reputation, 1946) at Pierogi

Lutz Bacher, The Celestial Handbook at Ratio 3

David Jien, Collector, 2 Peacocks and 3-dimensional Objects at Richard Heller Gallery

Nam June Paik, Swiss Clock at Gallery Hyundai

Jonah Freeman and Justin Lowe, Caballero at Marlborough Chelsea Gallery

Jonah Freeman, Sheetrock Brand Gypsum Panel (San San International Archive #32) at Marlborough Chelsea Gallery 

Sol LeWitt, Splotch #17 at James Barron Art