Beyoncé has shared a statement about her forthcoming new album ‘RENAISSANCE (Act 1)’ on social media, along with what appears to be the record’s artwork.

The pop icon announced earlier this month (June 16) that she would be releasing her seventh solo album – the follow-up to 2016’s acclaimed ‘Lemonade’ – on July 29.

Now Bey has gone into detail about the creative process surrounding the album, which has so far been preceded by her Robin S and Big Freedia-sampling new single ‘Break My Soul’.

“Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world,” Beyoncé wrote on Instagram today (June 30). “It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving.

“My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom. It was a beautiful journey of exploration.”

She added: “I hope you find joy in this music. I hope it inspires you to release the wiggle. Ha! And to feel as unique, strong, and sexy as you are.”

The striking accompanying image, meanwhile, shows the singer astride a luminescent horse. Check out the full post below:

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A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce)

Beyoncé confirmed she was working on new music last summer. “I’ve been in the studio for a year and a half,” she explained. “Sometimes it takes a year for me to personally search through thousands of sounds to find just the right kick or snare. One chorus can have up to 200 stacked harmonies.”

In a four-star review of ‘Break My Soul’, NME wrote: “Beyoncé has made a powerful comeback with her latest single, and if this is anything to go by, her upcoming dance album will be a huge hit. ‘Break My Soul’ is more than a few tempo and melody issues – thanks to its beautiful message of confidence.”