Singer and Fenty Beauty creator Robyn Fenty also known as Rihanna has collaborated with legendary multimedia artist Lorna Simpson to grace the cover of ESSENCE January/ February 2021 showcasing reinterpreted beauty with a series of collages in a twelve-page portfolio entitled “Of Earth & Sky.”
“Lorna is a legend,” said Rihanna, 32, of the artist whose lauded career spans three decades.
The idea for the collaboration with Simpson was an idea her creative director, Jahleel Weaver first pitched but Rihanna was nervous about it.
“Honestly, I just didn’t think I could get her,” Rihanna laughed. “But I like reaching for the stars and I like challenging myself,” Rihanna said in her interview with ESSENCE.
Simpson is known for gracing the covers of Ebony and Jet Magazine with her unique creation of vintage collages of Black women and her recent portfolio showcases her creative edge.
“[Collaborating] with Rihanna and ESSENCE magazine is quite incredible,” Simpson said while on set. “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,” Simpson told ESSENCE.
See some of the photos for the twelve page portfolio below.
According to ESSENCE, the January/February 2021 issue will be on newsstands and digital platforms starting January 19.