NSFW: Halsey Hopes To Destigmatize Pregnancy, Breastfeeding In Regal Album Cover NSFW
Image via Halsey
A deep red curtain falls in a grand flourish at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, revealing American pop superstar Halsey’s album artwork for her fourth studio album, If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power. During the event, the title and release date were also broadcasted to thousands of eagerly waiting viewers: August 27 this year.
“My body has belonged to the world in many different ways the past few years, and this image is my means of reclaiming my autonomy and establishing my pride and strength as a life force for my human being,” the singer writes on Instagram. She also writes that she hopes to frame pregnant and postpartum bodies in a different light: “as something beautiful, to be admired.”
Halsey announced her pregnancy in January after having been vocal throughout her career about struggles with reproductive health and endometriosis, so it makes sense to draw from her current experience to create music.
“It was very important to me that the cover art conveyed the sentiment of my journey over the past few months. The dichotomy of the Madonna and the Whore. The idea that me as a sexual being and my body as a vessel and gift to my child are two concepts that can co-exist peacefully and powerfully.”
“Peace” and “power” are clear to see in the album artwork. The singer sits crowned atop a golden throne, clothed in royal drapery except for an exposed breast, but softly gazing into the distance while holding a baby. “We have a long way to go with eradicating the social stigma around bodies & breastfeeding,” she states. “I hope this can be a step in the right direction!”
If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power is an album written by Halsey, produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
The album artwork reveal can be rewatched here.
[via Variety, image via Halsey]
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