RIHANNA + KEITH HARING + BASQUIAT

Rihanna's Keith Haring influenced video shoot. . .

If I could do it all over again, I would have studied art history. My 10-year college (and 5th-year law school) reunion is this May and, while I'm generally satisfied with my accomplishments since then, I realize that I have a voracious appetite for the subject, and am literally making up for lost time.

Art's a part of my life and is expressed in part through this blog in an informal fashion. I think it's high time to start incorporating more references to art and artists. . .

. . . and why not start with Rihanna; whose fashion sense, hairstyles and videos draw heavily upon the past while blazing a distinctive path towards the future?

Rihanna rocks a Keith Haring inspired Jeremy Scott jacket.

Rihanna's "Rude Boy" video is clearly influenced by videos of yore (the 80's), it is also heavily influenced by 80's neo-expressionist giant Jean-Michel Basquiat and pop (art) star Keith Haring.

Continue reading and see Rihanna's "Rude Boy" video and stills by clicking "Read more" below.

Jean-Michel Basquiat, a Brooklyn born artist who took his training spray painting graffiti on trains and Manhattan buildings, is celebrated as an international art star. Basquiat's Crown is juxtaposed on an image of Rihanna above. It is also atop the head of the animated lion and is otherwise featured prominently throughout the video. "The crown is Basquiat's symbol for himself as well as a symbol of respect and admiration" for other figures represented in his work.

Keith Haring's trademark black on white style and break-dancing figures were inspired by street culture. Like Basquiat, Haring's artistic foundation was built on graffiti--expressed through the medium of the New York City subway. He used bold lines, vivid colors and achieved international fame even during his short life.

Check out the "Rude Boy" video below.



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