Welcome Digest [1.2.26]
The next Labubu, Zohran inauguration fashion, Welcome Classifieds, and more
Welcome To January 2nd
Today’s Important Headlines
🔊EsDeeKid disowns The Chainsmokers’ strange remix of ‘4 Raws’
EsDeeKid publicly slammed the remix, calling it “nuked” on X and asking people not to remix his music for streaming platforms, reigniting discourse surrounding his creative control post label deal. The track, which many are calling the worst beat drop ever, was subsequently deleted from platforms, although The Chainsmokers’ other remixes released simultaneously with ‘4 Raws’ (Jungle’s ‘Back on the 74’ and Sombr’s ‘back to friends’) remain up.
🗽The incredible fashion of Zohran’s inauguration
From Zohran himself wearing a custom silk tie by South Asian independent brand Kartik Research, to his wife Rama Duwaji in a vintage Balenciaga wool coat and pointy Miista boots, to Eric Adams, unsurprisingly, bundled in a Fendi scarf, New York’s mayoral inauguration doubled as a subtle fashion show. Every look felt intentional, with wardrobes operating as signals of values, taste, and political alignment.
🖼️ 2026 Art World predictions from true insiders
The big picture insight is that as generational wealth shifts, major estates are expected to release long held works, reviving demand for classic Impressionist, modern, and postwar art. At the same time, rising costs and uneven demand are pushing galleries toward consolidation, local focus, and new hybrid models, favoring long term commitment over hype.
🤖 The next Labubu is an animatronic plushy
Japanese startup Yukai Engineering released Mirumi, a plush companion robot designed to form emotional attachment rather than solve problems. It responds to head pats, turns toward sound, clings to bags, and moves on its own using randomized behavior.
🎼 Charli XCX is the first major musician to play this newly invented instrument
The instrument Charli XCX plays in 100 Nights of Hero is not a prop but a hand-sculpted sonic harp, invented and crafted by artist Amanda Camenisch. Designed as a participatory sound object rather than a traditional instrument, the Fire Harp blends sculpture, ritual, and performance, helping push sound art into the cultural mainstream through cinema and pop visibility.
Headline curation and words by Mikail Haroon (@mvkail)
Moodboard 014
Today’s inspiration supplement. Click through to view.
From The Archive
An extra piece of content from the Welcome Archive for Magazine subscribers only.
Broken Ladies by Jessica Harrison (2009)
The works were created using second hand porcelain figurines sourced from charity shops and domestic collections.
Harrison physically altered each object by breaking or removing parts, then exhibited the figures without restoration, allowing cracks, fractures, and absences to remain visible.
Classifieds
Exciting opportunities, employment and otherwise
Terminal V — Digital Marketing Assistant (Edinburgh)
Freelance marketing role assisting with social media, email campaigns, creative partner coordination, and festival marketing projects. For applicants with strong organisational skills, creative flair, and a passion for electronic music.
Watermill Center — Artist Residency Program (NYC)
Residency offering space, time, and freedom to experiment. Includes access to rehearsal & design spaces, outdoor stages, the Study Center & Library of Inspiration, landscaped grounds, and the Watermill Collection & theater production archive.
SEEN/SCENE — Artist Submission (International)
Open to diverse expressions in any medium. Submit up to three artworks with descriptions, along with a portfolio, CV, and artist statement.
MoMA — Photography & Curatorial Submissions (New York)
Submit work to be seen by Roxana Marcoci, Acting Chief Curator and Senior Curator of Photography at MoMA
Turner Contemporary — Engagement Assistants (Margate, UK)
Part-time roles supporting Visitor Engagement Team. Welcoming visitors, supporting exhibitions, tours, and family activities.