The cover art for Stormzy’s upcoming album has been hung in the National Portrait Gallery in London.
The photographic portrait by Mark Wattock is on display in the gallery from today (December 5) and displays the south London artist holding the stab-proof vest from his Glastonbury performance with the letters H.I.T.H serving as a crown.
Speaking on the display in the National Portrait Gallery, Stormzy said he feels honoured to be “exhibited in a gallery which exhibits so many incredible portraits of those from British history”.
Nicholas Cullinan, the director of the gallery, described the exhibition of the portrait as a “contemporary intervention within our historic galleries”, adding that they “hope to be able to acquire the work for the gallery’s permanent collection.
Cullinan also said: “Stormzy has undoubtedly had a significant influence on British culture today, both through his music and work with minority groups and young people, and we hope our visitors will enjoy the juxtaposition of this new work with historic paintings of influential figures from the Victorian era, from politicians, royalty and radicals to artists, sporting heroes and singers.”
The portrait serves as the artwork for Stormzy’s forthcoming sophomore album, Heavy is the Head, which is due for release next Friday (December 13). The album will include appearances from Aitch, Ed Sheeran, Burna Boy, H.E.R and more.
Photography by Andrew Timmsy