Despite the infamously hefty price tags placed on their work, the life of a struggling artist is still an unfortunate reality for many emerging creatives. That’s because, after all is said and done and everyone has taken their share, more often than not it’s the artist who’s left in the cold. Serving as the art world’s knight in shining armour is Swizz Beatz, who, alongside Bacardi launched the “No Commission” platform in 2016. Centred around the principle that artists should receive 100% of what they sell, the American hip-hop producer, musician, collector and seriously generous art patron has used this project to spread his belief that “if you free the artist, you free the world.”
After organising “No Commission” exhibitions with Bacardi in Miami, Shanghai, London and New York, Beatz is bringing the event to Berlin, where he’ll showcase works from both established and lesser-known artists including Nadine Ijewere, Okuda and Caroline Larsen. Of course, with such a legendary musician at the helm of “No Commission”, it wouldn’t be complete without amazing music, and the event promises live sets from Major Lazer, Honey Dijon and Beatz himself.
We sat Swizz Beatz down as he prepared for the opening of “No Commission”, where he discussed his motives for bringing the project to Berlin and why it’s unlikely that you’ll ever see his work in public anytime soon.
After hosting “No Commission” in Miami, Shanghai, New York and London, what made you bring the project to Berlin?
Berlin is a haven for creativity. When you think of the city, you think anything can happen. I see a freedom in the artists here that I really love. For me it was almost like, how can you not come to Berlin?
How did you select the artists for this weekend’s show?
More than half the artists being exhibited come from Berlin. Whenever we do an exhibition, I make sure to focus on artists that actually live in the city we’re showing in. So many people wanted me to do an event with artists from all over, but that’s not fair to where we are. There are so many undiscovered artists in every city, and I can’t imagine it going well if I show a bunch of work from New York when Berlin already has amazing creatives right in its backyard. That said, roughly 10% of this show includes work from artists I admire from around the world.
Are there any artists from your hometown of New York that you’ve brought over this time around?
There are a couple of people that I’ve brought from home. FAILE is here, for instance, but I’ve also made sure to include people from places like Africa and Japan.
“This isn’t just for myself, it’s something I can help thousands of people with” – Swizz Beatz
“No Commission” was born from your love for collecting art. Can you tell me some of the artists that you’re digging these days?
I’m always into so many artists that it’s hard to name them on the spot. I travel a lot and I get to see so many artists. What I can say, though, is that I’m inspired by anyone that’s stepping out of the box and making art that goes beyond what a gallery dictates. You know what I mean? Push your own envelope, take your own risks and do your own thing.
How do you find out about new artists?
A bunch of different ways. Beyond going to a lot of shows, I work closely with a curator named Nicola Vassell from Jeffrey Deitch and I also make time to visit studios and foundations that support artists. I’m always finding people on Instagram, too. I just try to pick pieces from everywhere.
“There are so many artists that the world has never seen, and if Christie’s or Sotheby’s or a major gallery doesn’t show their work then it’s like they don’t exist” – Swizz Beatz
I read that you’re an avid painter. Will we ever see your art in a show?
You probably won’t see an art show from me for many, many years simply because there are so many artists that are better than me.
That’s one of the main reasons that I started “No Commission”. There are so many artists that the world has never seen, and if Christie’s or Sotheby’s or a major gallery doesn’t show their work then it’s like they don’t exist. Since I started collecting young, living artists, I’ve had the chance to see their lives change. I’ll post an artist’s work on social media and all of a sudden I get a call from them saying, “Swizz, thank you, now my show is sold out.” Or, “This gallery that passed on me 10 times just offered me everything I want.” It feels good to hear that. That’s when I realised this isn’t just for myself, it’s something I can help thousands of people with.
What do you have in store for us after “No Commission” in Berlin?
I’m currently working on a new record, which I’m really hot on right now. I get so hot and cold when it comes to my stuff sometimes. I have something with DMX that’ll be out soon, and a lot of projects with other musicians but I’ll let them make their own announcements.
Bacardi No Commission is on display at Berlin’s Kraftwerk Rummelsburg until 1 July. Click here to RSVP