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.

• READ MORE: Beyoncé’s new song ‘Break My Soul’ is a confidence-oozing comeback that embraces nu-disco

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.”