He’s putting the bass in ambassador.
Chart-topping singer J Balvin is getting further into the visual art world. The Reggaeton singer, who has six Latin Grammy Awards, has just been named the first-ever cultural ambassador for Washington D.C.’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
“I’m most passionate about contemporary art because it’s the artist’s real-time interpretation, expression, and experience of what is happening in the world today,” the Colombian singer tells Page Six exclusively. “It’s current. It’s timely. It’s our world, illustrated.”
The hitmaker — who has been open about his mental health struggles with anxiety and depression, and has his own bilingual wellness app aimed at learning how to “transform emotions through creative actions” — tells us that art helps him to heal.
“I do collect art among a very broad range from contemporary to classic pieces,” he says.
He further explained to us, “Art is healing to me. Having been motivated by my own mental wellness journey, I constantly strive to destigmatize mental health. And I’ve found that through my own art, music, I’m able to express myself creatively which has been very helpful and healing.”
He also said of collecting, “It is something I really enjoy because every piece is a unique part of someone else’s journey. That’s why it unites us.”
The Hirshhorn Museum, located on the National Mall, is free for all and currently showing a Yayoi Kusama exhibit. As a museum ambassador, Balvin says he’ll “share my love and appreciation for contemporary art by working with the Hirshhorn’s educational programs.”
The “Mi Gente” singer says he’ll use social media, video content, and the museum smart phone guide to deliver content in both English and Spanish.
“I feel that art should be accessible to everyone. It’s a form of communication, self-expression, and creativity that can be very healing, inspirational, and motivating. Everyone should be able to experience the beauty of it,” he says.
Last May, Balvin presented pop artist KAWS with the Hirshhorn Ball Award.