The Gordon Parks Foundation has unveiled a new exhibition titled “Element” that is inspired by the use of Gordon Parks’ photography as a muse in Kendrick Lamar’s music video for his single “Element.” The special art exhibit will showcase the Gordon Parks photographs that influenced Lamar’s aesthetic.
Famed artist Gordon Parks used his craft to explore the lives of Black Americans. He was a world-renowned photographer, writer, composer and filmmaker known for his work on projects like “Shaft” and “The Learning Tree.” Born in Fort Scott, Kansas, Gordon Parks also became the first African American photographer for Life and Vogue magazine.
Swizz Beatz, who recently graduated from Harvard Business School and is a long-time supporter of The Gordon Parks Foundation said, “I’m so inspired that my friend Kendrick Lamar chose the iconic imagery of the legendary Gordon Parks in his video for ELEMENT. It’s a prime example of how contemporary change makers – artists, musicians, filmmakers, designers – can borrow from the greats of the past who were also working towards social change.”
Check out some of the images from the exhibition, along with the matching images from Lamar’s video (all top photos courtesy of the Gordon Parks Foundation).
“Element” is currently on display at the Foundation’s space in Pleasantville, New York until February 10.