Beyoncé shares ‘Renaissance’ artwork and album statement
"My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom"
Beyoncé has shared the cover artwork for her new album Renaissance, along with a statement in which she describes its creative process as a “beautiful journey of exploration”.
After weeks of cryptic teasing, the singer last month launched the Renaissance era with the album’s first song, ‘Break My Soul’, with the full record set to arrive July 29.
The album, which will be the pop titan’s first full-length LP since 2016’s critically-adored Lemonade, is reportedly set to feature both dance and country tracks.
Now, the singer has revealed the record’s cover artwork, in which she sits atop a luminous horse, which some fans have noted draws a resemblance to the classic 19th century ‘Lady Godiva’ painting by John Collier.
Posting to Instagram, Beyoncé also shared a statement about her hopes for the album and its creative process. “Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world,” she said.
“It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving. My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom. It was a beautiful journey of exploration. I hope you find joy in this music. I hope it inspires you to release the wiggle. Ha! And to feel as unique, strong, and sexy as you are.”
In the period between Lemonade and Renaissance, Beyoncé released joint album Everything Is Love as The Carters with her husband Jay-Z on, and curated The Lion King: The Gift, a soundtrack/companion album.
She also dropped two singles, ‘Black Parade’ and ‘Be Alive’, the latter of which was created for the film King Richard.
Beyoncé appeared on the cover of the latest issue of British Vogue, and editor Edward Enninful provided insight into what Renaissance sounds like. “Instantly, a wall of sound hits me,” he said.
“Soaring vocals and fierce beats combine and in a split second I’m transported back to the clubs of my youth,” he continued. “I want to get up and start throwing moves. It’s music I love to my core. Music that makes you rise, that turns your mind to cultures and subcultures, to our people past and present, music that will unite so many on the dance floor, music that touches your soul. As ever with Beyoncé, it is all about the intent. I sit back, after the wave, absorbing it all.”