Since the days of the Medicis, the world's greatest painters have needed the support of powerful sponsors to realize their grandest visions. Without these patrons of the arts, many of society's masterpieces would never have been completed.

A hundred years from now, when people look back at the careers of the great artists of our time, alongside the names of such visionary benefactors as David Rockefeller, Jr. and Peggy Guggenheim, will be that of rap artist Kanye West.

We know what many of you are thinking. Kanye West?

Yes, Kanye West.

More than just a collector, what many people might not know is that West has quickly emerged as one of our generations truly great art patrons. Wisely, Kanye has been using his own fame and rising career to provide support and backing for what is fast becoming a seminal body of artwork from a growing list of contemporary artists that includes George Condo (above), Kaws, and Takashi Murakami.

Last month Kanye released his latest commissioned work, a lush video art piece created by the Italian-born Canadian artist Marco Brambilla. While Brambilla's work has been exhibited in such esteemed museums as the Guggenheim and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, it will be West who brings Brambilla's art to the masses as the video is doubling as a music video for West's upcoming album:

For being one of today's most influential and visionary art benefactors, we're pleased to call Kanye West Character Approved.

[Image: George Condo]