The piece’s two contrasting styles - “cubism and classicism forged together in a single painting” - dovetail, Condo says, with West’s music, with its “layers of different styles happening simultaneously.” What did Kanye see in the picture that made him like it? “His tragedy was a kind of exile that Kanye imposed upon himself,” Condo says.

“I really like that idea of a Shakespearian thing,” West told Condo about this painting of a severed head wearing a crown. Excerpts from the piece can be read below. Condo goes on to explain his meetings with Kanye as well as the thought process behind the 5 alternate cover. Condo describes this cover as “challenging” Kanye with imagery. Most are familiar with the controversial cover of My Dark Twisted Fantasy, which has been banned by Target, and depicts a representation of Kanye positioned against a nude Phoenix. George Condo may not be a household name, but his work has been pushed to the forefront of pop-culture with the release on Kanye’s latest album.

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