Rihanna is a masterpiece.
The music and fashion icon, 32, covers the January / February 2021 edition of Essence looking like a painting, thanks to artist Lorna Simpson.
Simpson created original photographic collages for the cover and a 12-page portfolio entitled “Of Earth & Sky”, with the pop star posing against the galaxy, in an oyster shell, with rough diamonds on the head and more.
Rihanna called Simpson – whose work often explores representation, identity, gender, race and history – “a legend” and told the magazine that she was nervous about trying to collaborate.
“Honestly, I just didn’t think I could get it. But I like to reach for the stars and I like to challenge myself, ”she explained.
“[Collaborating] with Rihanna and Essence magazine is amazing, ”Simpson told the publication.
“As an artist, I am able to present these unusual images of someone who is so well known and recognizable … It is an incredible opportunity.”
“It’s like magic,” Rihanna concluded about the images from the other world.