What Is the Meaning of This Mysterious Kanye West Art Card?

There's either a new album dropping or a serious troll.

The Kanye West postcard.

The Kanye West postcard.

Last week, a mysterious postcard of unidentified origins was delivered to the artnet News offices. Numbered edition 156 of 225, it features an image of Michelangelo’s David accompanied by the words “Kanye West’s New Testament.” The “A” in testament is precariously placed to highlight certain, um, attributes of the statue. At the bottom of the card, it reads “Available June 10, 2014,” though it does not specify what, exactly, is being made available on this date.

On the rear of the card is a handwritten inscription: “As an artist, and in this world, we can do whatever we want. Ain’t nothin’ real,” which is a quote from this Kanye West interview. It is signed with an unintelligible signature that provides zero clues to the source of the card.

The inscription.

The inscription.

So, what is the meaning of this? Is West releasing a new album, or a series of religious writings? Is this part of a bizarre art project intended to confuse Internet journalists everywhere? Several other websites have received similar mail, but West’s reps are denying the whole thing, claiming the cards are fakes, sent by an impostor with some serious time on his hands. A source close to West told BuzzFeed: “Yes I’m aware of this… we don’t know what it is, but it’s NOT coming from us… this is not a Kanye West product.” A Twitter account set up in connection with whatever this is confirms that statement, in that it looks very fake and only has 129 followers.

While many fans are understandably disappointed that they may not be hearing new music from West anytime soon, what’s more fascinating than the possibility of a new album is the possibility of a serious Kanye West impersonator with the time, resources, and desire to hunt down the names and addresses of 225 journalists and mail them handwritten notes. We can’t wait to see what they’ll do next! Kanye troll, if you’re reading this, we also accept chocolates, fruit baskets, and flowers.


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