The Art of the Music Video

Black Art comes in all shapes forms and mediums. One of the most notable mediums that portray the black experience and black life is through the art of the music video. While they may not be as in-depth as feature-length films, they are full of the culture and history we as a community encounter. Some of the most iconic music videos contain aspects and elements of films.

One of, if not the most, iconic music video of all time is the 1983 Michael Jackosn "Thriller" video. It seamlessly tied the theme of the song with classic horror motifs and visualization together. The depiction of a date, gone horrifically wrong is one that many people can relate and identify with. Another video that has also played on film plots or themes is the Lady Gaga and Beyonce 2012 music video "Telephone" which played on the theme of femme fatale in

to enjoy them. Instead of 90 minutes to 2 hours worth of content to digest and comprehend, the music video offers a short option that portrays a storyline and flashy theatrics and music.

Not only does the viewer get to enjoy their favorite artist perform from the convenience of their phone, television, or laptop, but they also get a visual storyline from some of their favorite songs. Artists, such as Beyonce, have gone as fas as to create entire visual albums for their music. This gives fans the opportunity to see each song as a visual masterpiece as opposed to most artists wh

o may only film videos for a few select songs off of their albums.

My advice to my readers, take some time out during this quarantine to reminisce on some of your favorite music videos, and you might just find a new appreciation for them!