Kasseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean is regarded as one of the greatest producers ever in hip-hop. Along with collecting chart-topping hits, Swizz has garnered a reputation as collector and lover of fine art. Now it’s being reported that Swizz is partnering with UTA artist space to develop a new show that highlights ‘Black Renaissance’ works. Entitled “Dreamweavers.” the exhibition opens on Feb. 13 and continuing through April 13th amidst L.A.’s convergence of art fairs including Frieze LA and Art Los Angeles Contemporary with works by Kehinde Wiley (portraitist of Barack Obama), Kerry James Marshall and more.
“Dreamweavers.” is curated by Nicola Vassell, who also serves as an art advisor to Dean. “At this particular moment, it feels like the doors have been flung open and the conversation is welcome,” Vassell observed. It’s a super positive moment in that these narratives are being embedded institutionally. And the consequence of that is economic success and cultural influence.”
Explaining the process, Swizz noted, “This show had to happen right here, right now. Many of the artists are my friends and some of the works you’ll see on view are from The Dean Collection,” his initiative with wife Alicia Keys that they describe as a “family art collection focused on the support of living artists.” Adds Dean of the UTA show, “It’s a family gathering, Nicola is my long-time collaborator and UTA was passionate from the beginning. L.A. is always on my mind.”
Swizz love of art is well documented. He and his wife, multi-Grammy award winning Alicia Keys previously announced their artist grant program that awards $100,000 in grants of $5,000 among 20 artists around the world to “put on their first show” on Instagram. Swizz also serves on the board of the Brooklyn Museum. He launched the “No Commission Art Fair,” which is free for artists who also get to keep all profits from each sale.
