Tomokazu Matsuyama Portrays Lauryn Hill for Murmrr Arts Foundation's Inaugural Commission
On July 25, 2026, artist Tomokazu Matsuyama presented a portrait of Lauryn Hill at The Clubhouse in East Hampton, New York. This artwork, named 'Murmrr Commission No. 001', represents the inaugural commission of the Murmrr Arts Foundation, established by Brian Kelly to support and preserve diverse artistic endeavors. Matsuyama, inspired by Hill's themes of identity, memory, and transformation, felt a strong connection to New York's vibrant creative scene. The unveiling event coincided with Hill's performance at The Clubhouse, where complimentary tickets were offered to youth from Long Island. On August 7, 2026, Hill is set to perform The Fugees' album 'The Score' to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
Key facts
- Tomokazu Matsuyama unveiled a portrait of Lauryn Hill on 25 July 2026 at The Clubhouse in East Hampton, New York.
- The portrait, titled 'Murmrr Commission No. 001', is the first commission by the Murmrr Arts Foundation and the first work in its permanent collection.
- The Murmrr Arts Foundation plans to commission, collect, exhibit, and preserve work across visual, literary, and performing arts.
- Matsuyama said Hill's voice gave language to a generation searching for itself, connecting to themes of identity, memory, and reinvention.
- Hill received the Living Legend Icon Award at the BET Awards in June 2026.
- On 7 August 2026, Hill and Wyclef Jean will perform The Fugees' album 'The Score' in full at the UK debut of Diaspora Calling! at Milton Keynes National Bowl.
- The Score was released in February 1996, reached number one in the US, and sold over 22 million copies worldwide.
- Diaspora Calling! includes performances by Erykah Badu, YG Marley, Zion Marley, Giggs, and Fireboy DML, with Dave Chappelle as host.
- Complimentary tickets were provided to young people on Long Island through a partnership with the East Hampton Library.
Entities
Artists
- Tomokazu Matsuyama
- Lauryn Hill
- Wyclef Jean
- Erykah Badu
- YG Marley
- Zion Marley
- Giggs
- Fireboy DML
- Dave Chappelle
- Nas
- The Fugees
Institutions
- Murmrr Arts Foundation
- East Hampton Library
- BET Awards
- Milton Keynes National Bowl
- The Clubhouse
Locations
- East Hampton
- New York
- United States
- Long Island
- Milton Keynes
- United Kingdom