The Louvre is the largest museum in the world, and houses some of the most ICONIC pieces of art to ever be created. It’s influence on world history is so prevalent that no matter where you come from we all agree that you did not visit Paris unless you have seen the beautiful glass pyramid, and then took a walk down the hallway to see the queen of resting face, Mona Lisa–but the historic art does not end there. . .
In May of 2018, the unprecedented was done as Beyoncé and Jay-Z we’re granted private access Louvre to film the music video of their hit single “APESH*T.” This is a moment in history that temporarily froze time as something so prestigious has never been done in the history of the museum. But why is this important? The artists serve as a liaison between a historically white space, black art, and technological advances. It presents not only the element of an entire black cast but also uses Beyonce’s mainstream audience to evoke influence, which creates history in itself.
As I began preparing for my trip to Paris, I of course brainstormed what type of pictures I would want. It was very important for me to capture such a great memory of breathing in the same space as the queen of music. I downloaded the video before boarding the plane and watched the it multiple times rehearsing: where did she stand, what did she wear, WOW HOW WAS ONE SO CLOSE TO THE MONA LISA, and what was the significance of her putting performance in front of different pieces of art? It sounds like an obsessed Beyoncé fan, but like me, this video allowed many people to discover the brilliance and beauty of the Louvre, and what amazing, genius, and historic art lies there.
As I walked through the Louvre, or what I called “the set of APESH*T” I immediately felt the importance of me being there. I was filled with creative energy that was so inspirational. I would pass historical pieces of art like the ‘Venus de Milo’ and think “WOW! BEYONCE STOOD HERE!” Or recollect the brilliance of having black women lying on the stairs in front of the “Winged Victory of Samothrace” knowing all of this was art imitating art!
The calculated black ensemble in the video forces everyone to acknowledge the beauty of black art, which is often overlooked in these spaces.I knew that someday I’d visit France, but I never dreamed of going to a set of a Beyoncé music video, I never dreamed to be art imitating art that imitates art. With the help of Beyoncé’s audience, the Louvre exceeded its attendance number with a show stopping 10 million attendees.
This moment is more than a catchy music video, it does what real music does. Educates, motivates, and inspires. If it was a Beyoncé video that led me to understand the art in the most famous museum in the world, then so BEY it!
What I learned most of this experience though, are the infinite amount of possibilities in the world. We can sit and wonder if it Da Vinci knew that he’d create the most recognizable painting in the world. We can also wonder if Beyonce knew she’d shoot a video in the most famous museum in the world.
I even sit and think about how a year ago, I would’ve never thought going to France was a possibility. For me my Louvre experience put in perspective the importance of finding your own creative outlets, and celebrating them regardless of support or not. The Louvre reinforced why we create. Not for the attention or approval for others. But for entertainment, motivation, education, and so much more, but most importantly creation is food for the soul of the creator.
I have been living in France for just a little over a week now, and every aspect of this experience has already exceeded what I thought could be possible. Just in 10 days I have met many great people, been many historical places, and spoken way more French than I ever imagined was ever possible. This all in just a short amount of time has me wondering what the next five weekends will be.