Hirst’s design for Drake’s sixth studio album features twelve emojis of pregnant women in varying clothing colours, hair colors and skin tones. Whilst met with mixed reviews (both album and artwork) one can see the legacy of Hirst and his famous dot works in the cover. Echoing his iconic dot works, the colorful design can also be read as a reference to his 2005 sculpture The Virgin Mother. The 35 foot tall sculpture installed in Lever House, New York is beautifully cast in painted bronze, gold and silver and features a cross section of a pregnant woman that (much like the emojis) holds her stomach. Themes of the human body and his interest in the maternal can be found across Hirst’s canon as the artist seeks to place the human experience within the physical, spiritual and mechanical.
Drake has also posted several pictures on Instagram stories prior to the release of the album showing Hirst standing alongside one of his famous spot paintings.
Seemingly the rapper’s’ artist of choice, it was recently reported that Kanye West had previously purchased The Incomplete Truth by Hirst which was previously owned by the late musician George Michael. The Wham! singer bought the piece, which shows a dove suspended in formaldehyde, in 2007. Following his death in 2016, the work was sold at Christie’s in 2019 for £911,250 (with buyer’s fees).
West also posted an image of The Incomplete Truth earlier this month on Instagram but the work has since been deleted. The move prompted speculation that the piece would feature on the cover of the rap star’s new album Donda though the cover work turned out to be a black square.
With such accolades from industry and celebrity titans it seems that Hirst’s inexhaustible ability to reinvent himself shows no sign of slowing. Whether butterflies, skulls, dots (and even emojis) Damien Hirst produces visceral pieces that generate debate. At Andipa Editions we are proud to offer a large selection of Damien Hirst prints for sale all of which are available to view either via video messenger or in person at our London gallery.