Graduation. Image © Amaory B. Portorreal
Designer Amaory B. Portorreal has produced a series of illustrations depicting houses inspired by the music of Kanye West. The series is in response to the hip-hop artist’s recent announcement that he would be launching a new architecture venture focusing on low-income housing.
More than a commentary on West’s interactions with architecture, the series presents an intriguing example of the connection between music and architecture, transitioning from a lyrical, melodic art form to one based on space and materiality.
For the 11 illustrations, Amaory takes “the musical and aesthetic diversity of Kanye West’s hip-hop albums” as his inspiration, with each home telling a unique story about “marrying beauty and low-income housing.”
“Kanye has proven both his serious work ethic and passion with every creative endeavor, so I am excited to see what Yeezy Home will bring not only to architecture but also to the discussion of low-income housing,” said Amaory.
The album illustrations are laid out below in chronological order, reflecting Amaory’s chronological crafting of the collection to track the sonic shifts in West’s career.
The College Dropout
College Dropout. Image © Amaory B. Portorreal
West’s debut solo album “The College Dropout” tackles issues such as excessive materialism, minimum wage labor, and institutional prejudice prevalent in the artist’s upbringing. In response, Amaory’s illustration depicts a simple form reminiscent of the homes found in Chicago’s impoverished community.
Late Registration
Late Registration. Image © Amaory B. Portorreal
The “Late Registration” album features more sophisticated samples and string orchestration, representing a refined evolution of West’s first album. Amaory’s home depicts this through a more upscale, sophisticated version of “The College Dropout” house, inspired by Chicago Greystone.
Graduation
Graduation. Image © Amaory B. Portorreal
Amaory’s house for “Graduation” takes inspiration from the album artwork by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, drawing on circular shapes and patterns reflecting Japanese Bubble homes. Amaory compliments this with pastel patches mirroring the electric sound of the album.
808’s & Heartbreak
808's & Heartbreak. Image © Amaory B. Portorreal
The minimalist sound palette of West’s “808’s & Heartbreak” album deals with themes of loss and alienated fame, translating into a home with cold concrete facades. Meanwhile, colored windows reflect the complex emotions portrayed through the album.
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Image © Amaory B. Portorreal
West’s fifth album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” dealt with themes of excess and consumer culture, at a time when the artist exiled himself to Hawaii. Amaory’s response is a gothic-style home symbolizing opulence and seclusion, depicted as a castle in the sky to symbolize isolation and retreat.
Watch the Throne
Watch the Throne. Image © Amaory B. Portorreal
Similar to “Graduation,” the house for “Watch the Throne” draws inspiration from album artwork, designed in this instance by Ricardo Tishci. Laced with intricate, patterned gold to reflect the illustrious career of West and album collaborator Jay-Z, the cover is translated by Amaory into a house with black stone clad walls overshadowed by a patterned golden rain screen.
Cruel Summer
Cruel Summer. Image © Amaory B. Portorreal
Amaory’s home for “Cruel Summer” draws inspiration from the album cover by Virgil Abloh and Joe Perez. The contemporary summer villa contains a large motif of a woman on the exterior, referencing the album’s summer-in-paradise-style statuesque woman surrounded by foliage.
Yeezus
Yeezus. Image © Amaory B. Portorreal
West’s album “Yeezus” is defined by its clear cover with a single red strip on the side, inspired by the design philosophy of Braun designer Dieter Rams. Similarly, Amaory’s home adopts a simple, minimalist agenda with a glass cube and red entrance.
The Life of Pablo
Life of Pablo. Image © Amaory B. Portorreal
“The Life of Pablo” is renowned for demonstrating West’s ability to take samples and use them as the building blocks for emphasizing a statement, or introducing a chorus. In reference to this, Amaory’s home uses the typology of a shipping container as the building block to create a more complex geometry.
Ye
Ye. Image © Amaory B. Portorreal
West’s “Ye” album was written in as little as two weeks at his ranch in Wyoming, following controversy surrounding the artist’s political views. In response to the album, one of West’s most self-analyzing and tumultuous, Amaory created a secluded cabin with the Teton Range as a backdrop.
Kids See Ghosts
Kids See Ghosts. Image © Amaory B. Portorreal
The final album in Amaory’s series “Kids See Ghosts” dealt with psychedelic and dramatic themes, depicted in an album cover once again designed by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. In response, Amaroy has created a Japanese courtyard home, featuring bent trees as a centerpiece.
Other creative works by Amaory B. Portorreal can be found on his website here.