UK-based artist M.I.A. a.k.a. Mathangi Maya Arulpragasam recently released an autobiographical book that documents her life over 5 years, and the release of 3 LPs – Arular, Kala and Maya.
The musician – who is now part of Jay-Z’s label, Roc Nation – spent the first ten years of her life in Sri Lanka, where her father was a political activist who protested against discrimination of Tamils. She released her first track ("Galang") almost a decade ago, and has since made headlines not only for her music and striking videos, but for some rather more controversial things too – most recently, sticking her middle finger up at the cameras whilst performing at the Super Bowl.
The book – which released towards the end of October – is a visual treat which includes spray-painted canvasses, and videotaped photographs that have then been run through computers to create graphic prints. Alongside the striking imagery are various lyrics and excerpts from an exclusive interview.
Entitled "M.I.A.: The Book", the book is part of a series of work that M.I.A. will be releasing in the near future. She will be presenting her new art at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale in Kerala on December 12th, 2012.
Check out the trailer for M.I.A.’s book below: