Before I was even a figment of my parent’s imagination, artist Jean-Michel Basquiat was creating socially timeless works of art and culture. Which me, my peers and generations to come will be able to collectively observe, explore and garner through his contributions. Learning about Basquiat’s historical artistry and processes in small doses throughout my college and early adulthood years, through brief inserts via contemporary art textbooks, and the biographical film. Did not prepare me for the exquisitely detailed exhibit that finally made it to Los Angeles, California.
King Pleasure the aptly titled Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibit made it from New York City to downtown Los Angeles in April 2023 and since I couldn't see it while it was on the east coast, it was pertinent I catch it in L.A. The exhibit instantly captivated my attention right from entry, with the help of Basquiat's sisters who were able to visualize never seen art and creativity from their late brother. A clever and liberating experience. I was able to glide through a handful of distinct eras in his artistic exploration and childhood, through the eyes of his siblings and family which, was so poignant and telling. All the while songs from the likes of Prince's "Doves Cry" and Sylvester "You Make Me Feel" played as the soundtrack to Basquiat's mind.
Many of his pieces spoke on a wide ranged spectrum that can be applied to our current societal issues. Especially, the politization of police brutality, economic caste systems and racial microaggressions. While the exhibits of his childhood living and dining room showcased a wall of food seasonings, which lends itself to family life normalcy and perhaps facilitated in Basquiat’s desire for a more imaginative journey into art. From his upbringing displayed via projectors that looked like it could have been in anyone’s family home including mine. I was able to find a unique connection and tap into my own nostalgia. The exhibition immersed everyone in not only the art from Jean-Michel Basquiat but also allowed us to engage in his close artistic circle, collaborators and friends like Andy Warhol and Keith Haring. Specifically, on display were two Warhol painted electric-colored portraits of Basquiat's parents, which were great examples of connecting his family life with his art life.
In addition, to the variations of art displayed throughout the exhibition, a playlist floated through the speakers of each installation, created in collaboration with Spotify and broke through a sense memory only his family could tap into. Invoking Jean-Michel Basquiat's childhood to nightlife in the era of Studio 54 and the early 1980's New York art scene. Which indulged in sex, drugs, fashion and the party culture. It was revealing, touching, and jarring simultaneously, while strolling through each exhibition. His family's interpretation of these never-before-seen pieces, a visual biography of the life and times of their beloved brother was exquisite, melancholy and welcomed.
Even though, I have mixed feelings about the overall commercialism Jean-Michel Basquiat's art has been subjected to. It is important for the masses to be educated, so we do not forget about his unique and timeless contributions to the art world, and the legacy he's left behind for us all to relish.
