And it’s now open to public viewing.
Kendrick Lamar’s album DAMN. is definitely a fave of ours, and has been given further validation from the multiple Grammy Award nominations it has received. Now most recently, the influences of his music video for “ELEMENT.” have showed up in a New York art exhibition.
When “ELEMENT.” dropped back in the summer of 2017, it was clear that the American photographer, Gordon Parks, was a direct influence for the video. The visuals reference direct imagery done by Parks that explore the lives of African Americans living in the United States. The Gordan Parks Foundation has opened up a special art exhibition to showcase the original pieces that inspired the clips in Kendrick’s video.
Gordan Parks’ work is clearly having a grand impact on young people – particularly artists like Kendrick – who make use of his photography to look through the issue related to race and justice in America. Peter W. Kunhardt, Jr. Executive Director of The Gordon Parks Foundation says, “With ELEMENT. the music video, Kendrick has helped to call attention to one of the most important artists of our time.”
For a little refresh, revisit his video here:
Kenrick Lamar – “ELEMENT.”
Who’s hitting up this art exhibition? Let us know in the comments or tweet us over @umusic.