There are just a little over two weeks left (extended to January 1, 2024) to experience the genius that is Basquiat in Los Angeles. Organized and curated by The Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat, King Pleasure features over 200 never-before-seen and rarely shown paintings, drawings, multimedia presentations, ephemera, and artifacts. This intimate perspective is shared through the lens of his family – intertwining his artistic endeavors with his personal life, influences, and the times in which he lived.
As a lover of Basquiat's work as well as his unique view of the world through his creative lens, it was awe inspiring to witness his work up close and personal. His family has taken great care and intention to showcase not only never before seen pieces, but to tell the comprehensive story about his life growing up in New York, the places he used to frequent as a young artist, the culture from which he received his inspiration, and the struggles he experienced that shaped his creativity.
The exhibition is built to allow the observer to literally step inside his world. The estate was careful to include a recreation of the family's home scene, the kitchen, the living room, the phone on the wall and an original phone book. Home videos play in the background superimposed on the wall above, while music that played in the home comes through immersive speakers, transporting guests to the Brooklyn home that was the container for the other worldly talent that would grow up right before it's eyes.
The exhibit includes many items he left behind books, hundreds of VHS movies, his collection of African sculptures, toys and other objects, and his many sketchbooks and notes. This has afforded his family an even richer understanding of their own brother, the celebration of the life, legacy, and the voice of Basquiat. It is an intimate and personal perspective on his life that only his family can share. Each section of the exhibition featuring photographs, personal effects, and extraordinary drawings and paintings from the family's collection- is the distilled result of countless hours spent pouring over all the things Jean-Michel, the artist and the broader context of his life (Jeanine Basquiat, Lisane Basquiat).
Through his work, Jean-Michel challenged us to look at life through a broader lens and encouraged us to aspire to a higher level of consciousness about the world we live in. He sought meaning in everything that surrounded him and, as he himself said, he thought not about art but about life. He generously shared what he learned and did so without mincing words (Estate of JMB).
Society is still deeply inspired by and colored with Basquiat's lens. It has inspired countless other artists and creatives who are compelled by his art, his view, and his incredible capacity to illustrate and convey the lessons he gathered and put forth for others to contemplate. The exhibition offers unprecedented access to history, both living and passed. I highly recommend a visit as it will not disappoint. Hurry, time is running out.
Experience King Pleasure: Tickets here
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