Fans are flooding social media to show Lizzo love for her recent Saturday Night Live performance that had a nod to Black art.
The singer opened her “Break Up Twice” performance as she sat on the edge of a bed, wearing a white slip, portraying a woman carrying a heavy burden. Lizzo’s weary expression in front of the blue background was a dead ringer for “Blue Monday” by artist Annie Lee.
“Blue Monday” is a self-portrait that doesn’t incorporate her face. Yet, Lee felt the possibly exhausting feeling of waking up on a Monday and returning to the working world is universal. Lee’s iconic painting was a staple backdrop in Black television in the 1990s. The Cosby Show, 227, and more used the painting as part of their sets.
According to the Black Art Depot, Lee’s artwork style was coined “Black Americana.” Her credibility came from the ability to depict everyday African American life. She held her first art exhibit at 50, and her pieces sold out within minutes. Lee passed away at the age of 79 in 2014.
The homage to the timeless piece of Black art didn’t skip over fans’ heads as they acknowledged the singer across social media.
@TAWJ10 pointed out the legendary choice of Lizzo’s tribute.
@lizzo you are a legend for recreating this painting !!!! pic.twitter.com/sQ9ECU9KJw
— T.A.W.J (@TAWJ10) December 18, 2022
@Facetune said the singer, rapper and flutist herself was literal art.
You are literal ART @lizzo 👏🏽💙 #snl pic.twitter.com/7rGI39itWV
— FACETUNE (@facetune) December 18, 2022
Many users, such as @Bionicbritt86, said Lizzo’s tribute was significant to Black audiences and the relatable emotion the painting has.
Uniquely Black in America @lizzo is unapologetic about her place in the cultural zeitgeist. This hung in every Black household at the turn of the 21st century. It fully encapsulates our mood today. We are beyond tired. #snl pic.twitter.com/Itq7TLTpjv
— Brittany ♐️✊🏾🏀💜💛 (@bionicbritt86) December 18, 2022
@Sonari provided a backstory on Lee and the symbolism of the portrait.
The amazing Lizzo paid homage to one of our great artists Annie Lee and her Blue Monday. Annie Lee was Chief clerk at a railroad to pay bills. Blue Monday possibly her most famous work, and her only self portrait. Say her name!!! #AnnieLee #BLACKARTIST pic.twitter.com/ADXk60hFK3
— Sonari (he/him) (@Sonari) December 18, 2022
After her fantastic performance, Lizzo acknowledged the love from her fans with an Instagram post gushing over the fact that they “get her.”
View this post on Instagram
“You get me, you really get me💙 thank you to my creative team for helping me pull this vision off w less than a week to prepare! @tanishascott @q_thervandross @brettalannelson @iwantalexx @theshelbyswain @erierinailz @kevinbeisler 💙 y’all make miracles happen!”
The jubilation in feeling understood may mean more to Lizzo than most artists.
Blavity recently reported that the singer made headlines when she had to reiterate her feelings about critics claiming she “makes music for white people.”
