Childish Gambino's album “Because the Internet” will drop soon enough (Dec 10), and that time will fly by quickly so it’s only right to reveal the cover!
The photo features the rapper-actor as he stares intently in front of a magenta background wearing a coordinating Hawaiian shirt; simple, yet festive.
“Because the Internet” is headed by the single “3005.”
What do you think of the cover?
You’re probably wondering where the inspiration for this album cover came from, and let me tell you, it’s a story worth hearing.
The cover art for Childish Gambino’s ‘Because the Internet’ was inspired by a Japanese painting called ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa’. This is an iconic piece of artwork that depicts a large wave about to crash onto boats in the ocean. It’s a beautiful and powerful image that perfectly captures the emotion that Childish Gambino wanted to convey with his album.
Childish Gambino (also known as Donald Glover) has always been interested in Japanese culture and art. In fact, he even lived in Tokyo for a while! So when it came time to create the cover art for his second studio album, he knew exactly what he wanted: something inspired by traditional Japanese art.
And what better way to do that than by paying homage to one of Japan’s most famous paintings? The result is stunning. The cover features an image of Childish Gambino standing on a beach with his arms outstretched towards the ocean. In front of him is a massive wave that looks like it could swallow him whole at any moment.
It’s an incredibly powerful image that perfectly represents the themes of the album: loneliness, isolation, and feeling overwhelmed by technology and social media. All in all, it’s clear that a lot of thought went into creating this incredible piece of artwork!
Symbolism and Meaning in the Context of Gambino’s Career
Exploring the symbolism and deeper meaning behind Donald Glover’s artistic choices throughout his career sheds light on his evolution as an artist.
The cover art for ‘Because the Internet’ is no exception. The image of Gambino sitting in front of a computer screen, with various tabs open and a smartphone in hand, represents the interconnectedness of our digital lives.
The use of social media and technology has been a recurring theme in Gambino’s music and persona. In ‘Camp,’ he raps about feeling disconnected from reality due to his reliance on technology. In ‘Awaken, My Love!,’ he takes a more nostalgic approach, yearning for simpler times before smartphones dominated our daily routines.
With ‘Because the Internet,’ Gambino confronts this dichotomy head-on by embracing the chaotic nature of online communication.
The album cover also serves as commentary on society’s relationship with technology and how it affects our ability to connect with one another on a deeper level. By portraying himself as just another faceless figure sitting in front of a screen, Gambino highlights the dehumanizing effects that social media can have on us.
Ultimately, this artwork encapsulates the essence of what makes Childish Gambino such a unique and thought-provoking artist: his willingness to tackle complex issues through creative expression.
Conclusion
So there you have it! You now know more about the album cover for Childish Gambino’s ‘Because the Internet’ and its significance in his career.
The inspiration behind the cover, with its striking image of Gambino sitting alone on a bed with a glow from his laptop illuminating him in an otherwise dark room, speaks to our modern-day digital age and our reliance on technology for connection and communication.
Furthermore, the symbolism woven throughout the artwork echoes themes that are present in Gambino’s music and persona as an artist.
From exploring identity to grappling with fame and success, ‘Because the Internet’ is a complex work that rewards close examination – both sonically and visually.
Thanks for taking this journey with us into the world of Childish Gambino’s artistry!
