Image via Complex Original
You may mimic Kanye West's fashion and have each and every one his records mounted in a glass case, but no true Yeezy stan can ignore the rapper's true connection to the art world. From his collaborations with some of today's most influential artists and photographers to his own love and appreciation for contemporary artwork, Kanye West has worked long and hard to bring the worlds of music and art closer together. If you’re looking to get on Kanye's level of art knowledge, you might wanna consider copping one of these 10 Art Books Every Kanye West Stan Should Own.
Kanye West: Glow in the Dark
Author: Kanye West
Buy it on: Amazon
Price: $69.98
Relive Yeezy's widely-successful “Glow in the Dark” tour with this book, which includes hundreds of high-quality photographs of Kanye's best on and offstage moments, taken by Nabil Elderkin. The book includes an exclusive CD that has chilling instrumentals from tour performances. It's worth buying for the intro interview between Kanye and director Spike Jonze alone.
Murakami
Author: Takashi Murakami
Buy it on: Amazon
Price: $84.50
Together, Kanye West and Takashi Murakami have bridged the gap between music, art, and culture, while also becoming good friends and collaborators in the process. Murakami did the album artwork for Graduation, and Kanye also used to continually post Murakami's work on his blog, Kanyeuniversecity. This book is a glimpse inside the mind of one of the most important, influential living artists.
Le Corbusier: An Atlas of Modern Landscapes
Authors: Mardges Bacon, Barry Bergdoll
Buy it on: Amazon
Price: $49.68
In an interview with The New York Times discussing the Yeezus album, Kanye said, “You know, this one Corbusier lamp was like, my greatest inspiration.” As a pioneer of what is now known as modern architecture, Le Corbusier is one of dozens of artists who have influenced Kanye and his music. Apparently Kanye would get private access to the Louvre at night in order to see a particular Le Corbusier exhibition. You wouldn't be a true Yeezy fan without this one your shelf.
Vanessa Beecroft: VB LV
Authors: Alexandra Polier, Jeffrey Deitch, Riccardo Lisi
Buy it on: Amazon
Price: $79.94
Controversial performance artist Vanessa Beecroft is known worldwide for her often shocking and provocative work, but lately the artist has also been noticed for her relationship with Kanye West. Over the past few years, West has recruited Beecroft to help out as art director for an 808s and Heartbreak listening session and his “Runaway” film, in addition to serving as choreographer for the dancers in the “Yeezus” tour. This book documents her 2006 exhibition at the opening of Louis Vuitton store in Paris, where she had 30 naked models sit silently on shelves alongside classic Louis Vuitton handbags and luggage.
Marina Abramovic: The Artist is Present
Authors: Arthur Danto, Chrissie Iles
Buy it on: Amazon
Price: $35.84
Back in 2013, Kanye West compared himself to esteemed performance artist Marina Abramovic in an interview with Power 105. He said, “I'm like Marina Abramovic. This is like performance art.” Learn a little bit more about the artist Kanye compares himself to with this book, which surveys more than four decades of Abramovic's work. Maybe you can draw some similarities between the two.
Guy Bourdin: Polaroids
Author: Oliviero Toscani
Buy it on: Amazon
Price: $36.95
Guy Bourdin is an icon in the world of fashion photography and is known by many as the man who brought “sexy” back to the industry. With Kanye's clear influence in the fashion world (sorry Kelly Cutrone), it's no wonder why Bourdin is not only an inspiration but an idol for Kanye. Check out this book that includes a rare selection of 98 Polaroids by Bourdin and see just why Yeezy is one of Bourdin's biggest stans.
Helmut Newton: SUMO
Editor: June Newton
Buy it on: Amazon
Price: $97.29
Photographer Helmut Newton is another pioneer in the world of fashion photography, so much that Yeezy once tweeted about wanting to be in one of his lookbooks. With Helmut Newton: SUMO, you'll have the perfect coffee table book to make any other so-called Yeezy stan jealous.
Tom Sachs: Space Program
Contributors: Buzz Aldrin, Tom Sachs, Louise Neri, Arthur C. Danto
Buy it on: Amazon
Price: $65
Visual artist Tom Sachs has attracted notable celebrity fans, and Yeezy is one of his most avid ones. This book documents Sach's journey to realize his own life-size space program, and if the connection to Yeezy isn't enough, the 797 full-color images it includes make it an eye-catching read.
George Condo: Mental States
Authors: Ralph Rugoff, Laura Hoptman, Will Self, George Condo, David Means
Buy it on: Amazon
Price: $45
When the album cover for Kanye's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy record was released in 2010, fans and haters alike were all wondering who the mystery man behind the provocative cover art was. That man is none other than contemporary painter George Condo. This book provides readers with images and information about the artist's career from 1982 to the present day.
John Currin: New Paintings
Authors: Norman Bryson, Alison M. Gingeras, Dave Eggers
Buy it on: Amazon
Price: $100.05
John Currin is just one of many visual artists who Kanye West introduced to his fan base through his old blog. Currin's erotic paintings of exaggerated female bodies coupled with his classic, Renaissance style attract art lovers like Yeezy worldwide. Maybe this book will make you a fan, too.