Exploring Asake's Work of Art Album Art, Basquiat lyrics, and music video
Exploring Asake's Work of Art Album Art, Basquiat lyrics, and music video
I am a work of art...
When I first saw the album art for Asake's latest album Work Of Art I was intrigued by Jean-Michel Basquiat's influence written all over it. When I scanned the tracklist and saw a song titled ‘Basquiat’ I was super excited that I promised that was the first song I'd listen to when the album dropped. When the album dropped I put the song in a loop to study the lyrics and melody. And when the music video was released a few weeks later I immersed myself in its cruising and exhibitionist allure.
Album Art:
Work Of Art album art, designed by the British-Nigerian artist Ayanfe Olarinde, is a masterful creation that explores the depths of Asake's artistic expression and celebrates the spirit of individuality that immediately captures the eye with its vibrant colors and intricate details. The album art depicts Asake's against a backdrop of swirling cosmic energies, symbolizing the infinite creative possibilities that lie within him as he poses beside a Basquiat-esque painting. The choice of colors reflects the album's overall theme of self-expression, with each hue representing a distinct emotion or aspect of Asake's journey, creating an inviting atmosphere, and urging us to embark on a musical voyage of fun and self-discovery.
Basquiat song:
In 'Basquiat', Asake doesn't only pay homage to Jean-Michel Basquiat, he draws inspiration from his life and works to illuminate his creative journey. Asake's lyrical prowess shines as he delivers powerful verses that explore themes of identity, success, and artistic freedom. With pristine lyrics and an astute tonal palette, he beautifully weaves together vivid imagery and poignant metaphors to paint a multi-layered narrative. This metaphorical expression encapsulates Asake's unique ability to transform intangible thoughts into tangible masterpieces. Throughout the song, he cleverly juxtaposes Basquiat's artistic process with his own, drawing parallels between their creative spirits and the shared pursuit of self-expression.
"Working poetry, I am greater/I'm the work of art, Basquiat," Asake sings in the song's chorus, transporting us into the world of poetry and comparing himself to Basquiat, after reflecting on his humble beginnings, emphasizing his resilience and ability to rise above adversity in the opening verse. Switching and mixing codes from the Yoruba language to the Nigerian pidgin English and the English language, Asake creates a captivating song where the Yoruba words, like sweet incantations, honour his roots, the Nigerian pidgin English provides a vibe, and the English language provides a meaning for his artistic aspiration to be as great as Basquiat in his art.
Asake's poetic delivery and wordplay are particularly noticeable in the second verse, where he compares himself to the Mexican drug lord Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmá and the Nigerian Juju legend Chief Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi. "El Chapo, emi ni/Ebenezer Obey, the Commander, emi," he sings, before bragging about his agility and swagger, his thoughts dripping on the canvas, giving fluid lyrical delivery.
The video for 'Basquiat' further amplifies the song's ingenuity and Asake's artistic vision. Directed by Blank Space, the video combines striking visuals, dynamic framing, and techniques with symbolic imagery to create an immersive experience.
The video opens with a shot of Asake on a cruise with some beautiful ladies, which immediately captures the viewer's attention. As the song progresses, we witness a series of scenes showcasing various art forms, from vibrant street murals to contemporary art performances. These visuals mirror the diverse influences that shaped Asake's work and serve as a tribute to the multidimensionality of Basquiat's art. The "Splashing of Paints on Canvas" also pays homage to the late American artist and drip painter Jackson Pollock, a prominent person in the abstract expressionist movement.
The video's lighting and color palette further enhance its impact, with vibrant hues and dramatic contrasts reflecting the emotions conveyed in the lyrics. The use of dynamic camera angles and seamless transitions between scenes keeps the viewers engaged, echoing the energy and dynamism of Basquiat's artistic style and Asake's growth as an artist.