Rashaad Newsome
b. 1979
born in 1979 in New Orleans, Louisiana
Hands, 2016
About:
Multi-media artist Rashaad Newsome is known for his provocative work in collage, performance, and video. His imagery borrows from eclectic sources, ranging from hip-hop, popular culture, heraldry and decorative arts, and his work incorporates many techniques and materials to explore ideas of race, power, gender, and beauty that are intrinsic to his opulent and layered imagery.
Cat Walk, 2016.
During his first residency at Tamarind Institute (Albuquerque, New Mexico), Newsome completed a suite of five complex prints. Based on his multi-media performance Five Elements of Vogue, the prints utilize digital data, 3D printing, collage and traditional lithography to capture the distinct character and gestures of each vogue femme dancer.
Five.
Newsome’s project FIVE is inspired by two very specific styles of Vogue. New Way, which is characterized by rigid movements coupled with clicks and arms control. The second Vogue Femme, fluidity at its most extreme with exaggerated feminine movements influenced by ballet and modern dance. There are five elements of vogue femme: hand performance, catwalk, duck walk, floor performance and spins-dips. Newsome sought out vogue performers who were very proficient in one of each of the five elements. Using a software tracking the motion of color in real time, the performers’ gestures are transformed into drawings. The dancers act as Newsome’s pens, and echo the legacy of action painting and abstract expressionism.
