Bottega Veneta, at the request of Creative Director Mathieu Blazy, has announced "Portraits of Fatherhood," a new photography series by Carrie Mae Weems featuring A$AP Rocky. Released in time for Father's Day, the six images capture A$AP Rocky relaxing at home with his two young sons, Liza and Riot Rose. In conjunction with the launch of "Portraits of Fatherhood," Bottega Veneta also announced that A$AP Rocky will be Bottega Veneta's new brand ambassador.

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"Rocky's concerns as an African-American man with children touched me deeply. Historically, Black families have rarely been portrayed honestly; they've been distorted for centuries. This project was a unique opportunity to portray not only his own experience but also how it is perceived by a wider audience in a way that's not just positive, but authentic. Seeing Rocky's love for his children in the face of all the atrocities against Black men, especially the brutality that comes with masculinity, was an uplifting experience to tell that story through him."

- Carrie Mae Weems

"I first encountered Weems's photographs as a student and was deeply moved by their originality, deep connection with their subjects, and social impact. Since then, I have kept the power and importance of her work close to my heart. I was honored to bring her lens and perspective to this project with Rocky, exploring fatherhood and what it means today. These works offer a real portrait of Rocky as a man, transcending his role as a father and artist. It was this intimacy that first struck me when I saw the images."

-Mathieu Blazy


The soft, black-and-white photographs show A$AP Rocky holding and interacting with Liza (age 2) and Riot Rose (age 10). In one image, Rocky picks up his youngest son and kisses him on the forehead. In another, Rocky plays the keyboard while his sons are seated around a toy piano. The photographs are accompanied by a short film by Weems with music by Rocky.

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These straightforward, candid, no-flash photographs of domestic ambiance evoke Weems's iconic "Kitchen Table Series" and her first solo exhibition, "Family Pictures and Stories" (1981-1982), which offered a poignant rebuttal to the negative stereotypes and messages facing African-American families.

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For A$AP Rocky, this project not only marks a personal evolution, but also an important statement in the wider community.

"I don't think many people in my culture preach about fatherhood or parenthood. This anti-familial image is very powerful. When you think of a rapper, you think of the adolescent, single male lifestyle. When you think of A$AP Rocky, you think of a playboy, an artist who throws underwear onstage. But here I am, a family man, devoted to one woman. Being a partner and a parent completes my life."

- A$AP Rocky


While primarily focusing on Rocky's interactions with his children, "Portraits of Fatherhood" also highlights other family photographs. The handmade newspaper Rocky holds is made up of family photos. A framed family photo also appears behind the portrait of the rapper, smiling alone. The still life photographs capture small toy cars and original records produced by Weems, while the cover features a young A$AP Rocky with his father.

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For Rocky, this project marks a first for him, one that draws on his own authentic daily life and focuses beyond the brand's products. "This is the first time I've done anything like this," says A$AP Rocky. "It's a collaborative, collective piece of art that truly reflects where I am as a father and the connections I have with my children."

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Inquiries:
Bottega Veneta Japan
TEL: 0120-60-1966
https://www.bottegaveneta.com/