Admittedly, coming back to Los Angeles to check on things was bittersweet. Since having been on the east coast since September 1st of last year to help take care of my mom, my home in L.A. has gone unseen. Therefore, when I was finally able to break away for a smidge of a week's trip, I knew adding this exhibit to my 'to-do' list was imperative. Not just from an experience perspective, it's a part of my own mindful and more intentional self-care practice.
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 the entrance, with the help of Basquiat's sisters who were able visualize never seen art and artistry from their late brother. An artful 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.
The playlists floated through the speakers of each exhibit, 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 1980's New York art scene, that indulged in sex, drugs, fashion and the party culture. It was revealing, touching, and jarring simultaneously. His family's interpretation of these never-before-seen pieces, a visual biography of the life and times of their brother was exquisite, melancholy and welcomed.
Even though, I have mixed feelings about the overall commercialism which Jean-Michel Basquiat's art has been subjected to. It's important that the masses are continually educated and does not forget about his unique and timeless contributions to the art world, and the legacy he's left behind for us all to relish.
