American singer and producer Beyonce, and producer and rapper Jay-Z, who have recently become ambassadors for Tiffany & Co, discovered themselves criticized online after People magazine took a sneak peek at an ad campaign for the jewelry brand, which features a painting by Jean-Michel Basquiat - a prominent 20th-century American painter known for his anti-capitalism.
"Love is the diamond that the jewelry and art decorate," the couple told People in a statement.
The brand took to Twitter to share the picture of the never-before-seen artwork, titled "Equals Pi", noting that the painting was a "part of a private collection from its creation until now".
As Beyonce and Jay-Z are seen in a fancy campaign photoshoot rocking glamorous outfits in front of the painting, netizens sparked debate about how Basquiat would have reacted to the ad campaign.
Some users called the ad "the most anti-Art thing" they have ever seen, frowning at how a graffiti-inspired painting "Equals Pi", which has recently been purchased by Tiffany & Co, is being used to promote luxurious jewelry.
Many suggested that the prominent neo-expressionist Basquiat would have sought a different fate for his painting.
Not everyone happened to be this critical of the Tiffany&Co new campaign, sarcastically wondering since when had everyone on Twitter become Basquiat enthusiasts and how would people possibly know what the artist would want.
The Tiffany & Co ad, featuring its new ambassadors, will go global on 2 September.
"Beyoncé and JAY-Z are the epitome of the modern love story. As a brand that has always stood for love, strength and self-expression, we could not think of a more iconic couple that better represents Tiffany's values," Alexandre Arnault, EVP of product and communications, stated. "We are honored to have the Carters as a part of the Tiffany family."
The brand has also pledged to donate $2 million to support scholarships and internship programs for legacy black colleges and universities in the US.