Awol Erizku, Beyoncé and Twins, 2017, photograph, Instagram.
With over 11 million likes, this image of Beyoncé pregnant with twins was the most liked photograph of 2017 on Instagram. Awol Erizku, an Ethiopian-born American artist, is famed for his creation of the viral photo, announcing Beyoncé’s pregnancy to her devout followers. Known for his appropriation-based portraits of Black bodies, Erizku has intentionally reframed traditional elements and symbols of the Virgin Mary around the singer – Floral wreaths and a veil over the face. In the reclamation and adornment of these elements, Beyoncé becomes an idol with a status and power, not usually granted to Black bodies. While the Virgin Mary’s power stems from her purity and virginity, Beyoncé’s maternal power takes the form of overt sexuality as she is dressed in lace and satin lingerie. Erizku and Beyoncé create a powerful statement in both reclaiming elements of the Virgin Mary and undermining her idolization.
Details
Blue Veil Floral Wreath Lace and Satin Lingerie