Two nights ago marked the monthly release of the Times Square Arts Midnight Moment project. As we say adios to the massive OSGEMEOS brothers’ cartoonish faces, we welcome the mesmerizing work of New York-based artist, Rashaad Newsome.
This hypnotic installation is titled, The Conductor (Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi), which is a churning cluster of digitally manipulated hands from famous hip-hop music videos. The footage has been edited so that the repetitive hand motions sync up with a soundtrack made up of 2005 “hip-hip greats” (based off of a New York radio survey).
In typical Rashaad fashion, the recordings will be integrated with parts of the symphonic sounds of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. Partnered with the characteristic urban noise occurring at Times Square around 11:57pm, this bright installation makes for an unforgettable experience.
“In some ways this piece is a remix of “Carmina Burana”, widely considered to be the most epic choral piece to date. The remix is performed by New Yorkers consider the most epic MCs to date. So it must be shown in the most epic NYC site.” – Rashaad Newsome.
With The Conductor (Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi), Newsome explores the nuance of New York-centric hip-hop movement. Nowadays, this music and cultural movement is mainstream, however it all started with an underground urban movement led by local MCs on the streets of the South Bronx who pioneered their way to this revolutionary genre of music.
On the evenings of September 22nd and September 28th, there will be a filmed gathering with Rashaad Newsome and recording artists he considers to be the next generation of hip-hop. Click here for more information on Newsome’s work surrounding the LGBT Ball Culture movement.
Also, be sure to Throw your Rolies in the sky, Wave ’em side to side, and keep your hands high.
