Simon Henwood

Simon Henwood (born, 31 March 1965, died 21 January 2024) was a British artist, author, film director, and music video director. Henwood first gained attention as a children's writer and later on for his paintings inspired by adolescence, as well as combining "darkness and hip together". He was best known for directing Kanye West's "Love Lockdown" and being the creative force behind Rihanna's Rated R album campaign. Henwood was in a relationship with Irish singer-songwriter Róisín Murphy.

Career Henwood was born in Portsmouth, England. In 1986, he received his Bachelor of Arts from Exeter College of Art and Design in Devon. Many of Henwood's paintings focus on the experiences and consequences of youth. Henwood has worked with a number of artists, such as Apollo 440, Badly Drawn Boy, Delays, Devendra Banhart, and Imogen Heap. He directed Kanye West's "Love Lockdown" in 2008, which was nominated for Video of the Year, Best Male Video, Best Hip-Hop Video, and Best Special Effects in a Video at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.

Pop singer Rihanna enlisted Henwood as the creative director for 2009's Rated R. He designed the logo and conceived the brand and styling of the album, videos and TV spots. He also contributed to Rihanna's forthcoming tour, including the show's stage design, costumes and background visuals. Art publisher Rizzoli released a photo book documenting Henwood's work for the pop star in 2010, entitled Rihanna: The Last Girl on Earth.

Henwood also painted the cover of his then-girlfriend Róisín Murphy's album Ruby Blue and its EPs and singles, in addition to directing the music videos for "If We're in Love", "Sow into You" and "Movie Star."