Jan 28
Wow…That’s Crazy Cover Art Review
Wale, an internationally-acclaimed Black artist, released his sixth studio album titled, Wow...That's Crazy. (Listen to this artful and flawless album, here.) Before I actually got the chance to dive into the audio aspect of this art, I was strikened by these visuals! You gotta admit, this cover art is dope. So, let's get to it...
At first glance, the notions that allude to understanding this project as pure art, are very apparent. The self-portrait provides a painted effect, while also being partially framed. The rest of the portrait appears to be cut or shredded and left to hang. Next, the arms caught my attention. It gave me, as an audience member, a chance to participate in this project; simultaneously, it made me question, from who's perspective should this album be seen through, FUBU? A repelling tension. Nonetheless, I knew there was a reference/backstory so I had to get to it.
Soooo, there's this anonymous street artist based out of England referred to as Bansky. Through his work, he is known to be a social and political activist. Bansky created a painting called, Girl with a Balloon (2005), which is known to be one of his classics. In this piece, a figure of a young girl is either reaching towards or letting go a red balloon. Many have speculated the balloon to be a representation of love, hope, innocence, and self confidence. This artwork was valued at $1.4 million. At a London art auction in October of 2018, Banksy showcased the "self-destruction" of this portrait by having a majority of the painting be shredded through the bottom of the frame. Mind you, this painting was valued at 1.4 million mf dollars. This very blunt move was done to challenge the views on capitalism and politics that govern art and museums. Wow, I respect that. (If you want to read more on this event, click here.)
Like myself, Wale must've been inspired by Bansky's radical move. I very much see Wale's declaration of existence as being a Black human, just as much as he is declaring his art to be taken serious and considered as such in an anti-Black world and an academy that embodies the same bs beliefs.
Overall, I think making this his cover art was a genius branding move for multiple reasons. First, regardless if you know the specific references being made or not, you know that pride was taken into the presentation of this album. Which brings me to my second point: more often that not, Black artists (especially rappers) are dismissed for the uncanniness of their art--and not that the uncanniness needs to be changed or anything. However, I do think Wale's choice of cover art shows and masters how we can be well-versed in European prestige, as well. Lastly, I think this cover art inspires us to to strive for love and hope by taking risks and pushing the envelope--like Banksy, and like Wale.
This was just a really good way to tell a story and carry a message through visuals. In what ways can you inspire people solely through your visuals? How well can you tell story through branding without words? Just something to consider when producing content.