The celebrated artist Arthur Jafa translates Kanye West's new song 'Wash Us In The Blood' into his own film-visual language, both elevating and transcending it, writes Tavia Nyong'o.
You may have already forgotten that Kanye West's most recent promotional campaign — including a deal with the Gap and a long-shot political campaign — kicked off on June 30, with the release of a new single and music video.
,"Wash Us In The Blood" toggles between a jeremiad — against slavery and genocide as our event horizon — on the one hand, and the redemptive blood of the lamb on the other. Jafa's approach to the video for"Wash Us In The Blood" samples imagery the way hip-hop samples sound, plumbing history to recontextualize and revivify it. He draws from a deep archive of footage, both his own and found or archival imagery, and reworks them into poetic meditations characterized by arresting juxtaposition and haunting interplay. Jafa has described his work as seeking a"visual intonation" akin to Black speech, giving it a signature flow.
If West's turn to faith only burnishes the construction of his myth, Jafa takes a more circumspect approach. The Black gospel tradition, in all its permutations, is the subject of his feature-length filmakingdoncomethas
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kanye West says he had coronavirus and no longer supports TrumpRapper Kanye West, who has been widely criticized because of his support of President Trump, reportedly told Forbes he has lost confidence in the commander in chief.
Read more »
Kanye West breaks with Trump, claims 2020 run is not a stuntKanye West breaks with Pres. Donald Trump, claims the 2020 run is not a stunt.
Read more »
Kanye West sparks fury saying Planned Parenthood 'carries out the devil's work'Kanye West has taken aim at US organisation Planned Parenthood claiming they are a 'the work of the devil' in first interview since announcing Presidential ambitions
Read more »
Kanye West unveils details of his plan to win the White House in NovemberRapper Kanye made waves at the weekend when he announced his plans to win the Oval Office, taking on incumbent Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden
Read more »
Kanye West anuncia ahora que ya no apoya a Trump y que tuvo coronavirus en febreroTras recibir ayuda federal y mostrar sus deseos de ser Presidente, ahora dice que no apoya al mandatario de EE.UU.
Read more »
Kanye West Turns On Trump, Dishes Deets on Presidential CampaignYe has A LOT to say about his bid for the White House, and way more.
Read more »