Rihanna and artist Lorna Simpson collaborate for Essence magazine’s January/February issue

January 21, 2021

Music and fashion icon Rihanna covers the January/February 2021 issue 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 her head and more.

Rihanna called Simpson — whose work often explores representation, identity, gender, race and history — “a legend,” and told the magazine she was nervous about reaching out to collaborate. “Honestly, I just didn’t think I could get her. But I like reaching for the stars and I like challenging myself,” she explained.

“[Collaborating] with Rihanna and Essence magazine is quite incredible,” Simpson told the publication. “As an artist, I’m able to deliver these unusual images of someone who is so well-known and so recognizable… It’s an amazing opportunity.”

“It’s like magic,” Rihanna concluded of the otherworldly images.

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Photo Credit: JStone / Shutterstock.com

Written by: Vipology Staff Writer

artist Lorna Simpson Essence January/February 2021 issue with Rihanna Essence magazine Rihanna Rihanna and artist Lorna Simpson

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