By Author’s Note: Lately, I’ve been getting invited to shows and events. To share more of our cultural significance with you, I will occasionally post a ‘snap’ so that you can attend or at least get a glimpse of these events, shows, or projects wherever you are physically. .
If you’re in LA, or can get there in the next few weeks, you should check out the new basquiat Exhibition at The Grand LAking pleasure“King Pleasure,” curated by his sister and niece, is a rarely-seen collection of works by the iconic artist, from his sketchbook doodles to more traditional art during his education. Yes, and after a huge success, it is currently exhibited in Los Angeles and in New York City.
Whether you’ve been a fan since when he was working or just joined the team,king pleasure‘ presents Jean-Michel in a way you’ve never seen before. The depth of his creativity really comes into play here, recreating both his studio and his childhood living room within his expansive four galleries. While we can see countless works in his signature style, we also see his abilities go far beyond what might be considered more abstract works of art.
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit a show with a friend before it started. Joey ColomboWhen I say that my eyes were opened to just how amazing Basquiat’s life and work were when I walked through his vast collection, from actual graffiti to theater-sized canvases, I thought of the two of us. From walking into his living studio to admiring the improvised canvases he creates to inspire ideas, the artistry on display speaks for us. It goes far beyond what most are already familiar with. And some of them are huge. The final gallery, which holds the work he made for Palladium, will feel smaller than any other canvas work you’ve seen in the past.If you click on someone the same size as you, not a giant, it’s It’s amazing, and each of them is his one canvas.
The show isn’t just about work. It is truly a celebration of his life. Identifying where he grew up and found himself on a map of New York City and Los Angeles, as well as the hotspots he frequented, there’s a special type of intimacy here. Browse memorabilia collections and sketchbook notes. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a show that offers so much insight into the existence of an artist. You can see firsthand what was important to him.What you can do in the recreated studio felt his process. It’s really amazing.
new york times wrote that the show “creates an unwavering emotional impact”, and Time Out New York called it “our favorite exhibit of the year”.
For another real artist perspective, Joey told me[the] The show was inspiring and stimulating..my creativity came to life!”
In addition to Basquiat’s work, the show also features several Warhol originals, including his iconic portrait of Jean-Michel and portraits of his family, including the show’s curator, Janine.
With exhibits running through July, don’t miss the chance to experience these rarely-seen pieces through the lens of real families. You can get King Pleasure Click here for tickets.
