Jean-Michel Basquiat: ‘King Pleasure’
In honor of Black History Month, Knightsbridge Park looks ahead to a new exhibition about the legendary visual artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat that’s set to open this Spring in New York City.
BY GAVIN MANLEY
jean-michel basquiat, jailbirds, 1983 | © the estate of jean-michel basquiat
American artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat first came to prominence in the 1970s. New York City then was a grittier, less-forgiving place and the streets of the Lower East Side provided the perfect backdrop for Basquiat’s first works – which have been described as “enigmatic epigrams” that he co-created as part of the graffiti duo ‘SAMO’. Fast forward 10 years and Basquiat’s work is being shown at major art galleries – and the artist has forged a close relationship with cultural icon, Andy Warhol.
© LIZZIE HIMMEL
As such, Basquiat’s rapid rise within the art world is well documented. This new exhibition however, which is entitled ‘Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure’ promises a much more intimate, multidimensional portrayal of Basquiat through the eyes of his family. Designed by architect, Sir David Adjaye OBE, the show will trace key themes in Basquiat’s short life (he died aged 27) and will include:
Basquiat’s family history and cultural heritage
His childhood years between Brooklyn and Puerto Rico
The artist’s early success with shows in the US and Europe
His studio at 57 Great Jones Street – recreated with artifacts including his personal effects, furniture and even his bicycle (Basquiat often struggled to catch a cab because of the color of his skin).
As many as 200 rarely-seen and never before seen paintings and drawings
A reproduction of the VIP room from the famous (now gone) Palladium night club in NYC where Basquiat would hang out with Warhol, Keith Haring and other trailblazers of the day
A dedicated soundtrack
Adjaye, the Ghanaian-British designer behind the new exhibition is well-known on the international stage for “his ingenious use of materials, bespoke designs and visionary sensibilities that set him apart as one of the leading architects of his generation” according to a profile on his website.
“The vision for this project” according to Adjaye “is to reclaim the narrative of Basquiat’s life and work and to shed new light on an artist that is only partially understood” he says.
We at Knightsbridge Park are proud to partner with the team at the iconic Starrett Lehigh building in Chelsea – a team that must be saluted for their continued dedication to amplifying Black and minority voices as part of the rich cultural fabric that is New York City.
‘Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure’ will open on April 9th at the Starrett Lehigh building at 601 West 26th Street in New York.
Originally published on Knightsbridge Park’s blog.