A Look Back at Solange's Best Art Drops
From making Black history to (literally) preserving it, take a deep dive into the artist’s most iconic moments.
Cultural mogul and GRAMMY Award winner, Solange Knowles is your favorite’s favorite. From her coming-of-age music for Black women (cue her hits “Crush” and “Losing You“) to her simple, yet luxurious style that translates into top-tier home decor, her creative signature is beloved by everyone from fashion to music.
As seen in her 2018 MET Gala look, she always remains true to her roots making references to iconic Black culture — cue the durag that supported her crown. The moment was beloved by fans for another reason, too. Why? Because they selected it for her via Twitter after she posted: “Dead ass about to let y’all pick my MET Gala look cause I can’t handle the anxiety rn… which saint shall I draw energy from and pull up to the function as?” she tweeted at the time.
That same playful, yet fly energy is also the foundation of her creative agency, Saint Heron. Founded in 2013, the agency began as a digital hub for conversations and later evolved into a collective. ”I needed to find my community,” she told ArtNews at the time of Saint Heron’s expansion, so she created a safe space of her own.
Most recently, rapper on the rise, Doechii gave a nod to Solange’s “When I Get Home” for inspiring her viral choreography for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, sending many down a rabbit hole of her impact.
Notable projects include Saint Heron’s debut album featuring singles by Jhené Aiko, Kendrick Lamar, Sampha, Cassie, and Solange, as well as the Saint Heron Archive preserving Black creative history from greats like The Sun Ra Arkestra, a Community Library and more.
Ultimately, Solange’s impact already spans generations, highlighting the greats of Black culture to emerging talent. Continue reading for our favorite moments from the mogul.
She’s the first Black Woman to compose for the New York City Ballet
Not just the first Black woman — but only the second woman of color — to compose a score for the New York City Ballet, Solange merged the worlds of dance and fashion by tapping designers Raf Simons, Giles Deacon and Alejandro Gómez Palomo to craft performer’s costumes.
“Don’t Touch My Hair”
Remember when Simone Biles’ had to defend her hair as she literally represented her country? The experience is shared among every Black woman, leading to the virality of the Houston-bred singer’s “Don’t Touch My Hair.”
A Seat at the Table
You know those visuals Doechii went viral for? Well, take a look at the “Cranes In the Sky” music video. A Seat at the Table is an album Black culture will reference for generations as it gives a voice to the voiceless by celebrating Black people directly. The album’s visuals are deeply emotive and meditative, not only offering soothing sounds, but soothing our hearts, too. As witnessed through Doechii’s praise for Solange, the album and its subsequent cultural moments will never be forgotten.
When I Get Home
An album and short film, When I Get Home is a cultural relic for Black culture. Featuring hit songs “Down With The Clique” and “Binz,” the project furthered her empowering message and genre-defying sound.
The Criterion Collection
Her Biennale Arte 2019 performance
The Criterion Collection
The Criterion Collection
The Criterion Collection
At the 58th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, Knowles closed the event with a performance art piece. Here, she remained true to her “saint” roots and explored themes of protection, transformation and spiritual expedition, through choreography, dance and sound. Those seeking a deeper dive into the mind of Knowles can enjoy her book, In Past Pupils and Smiles.
The Eldorado Ballroom Houston
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In her hometown’s Eldorado Ballroom, Knowles debuted yet another curation of events powered by Saint Heron. The avant-garde experience features several intimate elements that amplify Saint Heron’s mission of creating and preserving Black art. As well as hosting a celebration of “live performance in all its evolving, transcendent forms.”
A key element of the series is a classical concert featuring Black female composers such as Julia Perry, Tania León, and, of course, Solange. Lastly, the series is set to feature a special short film titled “Monuments Are Here.”
As if that wasn’t iconic enough, the experience features a partnership with ILIA Beauty, highlighting Solange’s beauty must-haves for Black women.
While you’re here, take a look at the best — and worst — advice these female creatives have received. Elsewhere, Bad Bunny fronts Calvin Klein’s Spring 2025 campaign.
