Kanye West SAIC Lecture Art Square
It might seem impossible for a college dropout to earn his PhD, but then Kanye West has a penchant for bucking conventional wisdom. The MC-entrepreneur-designer earned an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago Monday afternoon. Decked out in graduation robes, West by the school for his "transformative, genre-defining work across music, performance, film and fashion design."
"Your visionary and ambitious career is a true reflection of the creative spirit," SAIC president Walter E. Massey said during the ceremony for the newly-christened Dr. West. In accepting the prestigious academic honor, West delivered a short speech in which he professed "I am a pop artist. So my medium is public opinion, and the world is my canvas. I'm sorry is something that you can use a lot. It gives you the opportunity to give your opinion, apologize for it, and then give your opinion again." West went on to address feeling nervous, experiencing honor and, of course, George W. Bush. Watch the full speech below.
West's speech came a day after his guest lecture appearance at SAIC, which, much like his lesson at Oxford University earlier this year, included a somewhat-rambling account of the MC's idols and philosophy when it comes to fashion, art and music. Listen to the full hour-long talk (featuring numerous questions from students in the classroom) below.
