Jean Michel Basquiat's Sisters Lisane & Jeanine Tell His Life Story (Full Interview)

Jean-Michel Basquiat's sisters, Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux, sat down with VladTV during their late brother's current exhibit. They conveyed how growing up in the borough during the late '60s and '70s, with its cultural and economic diversity, had a significant influence on them. They detailed Jean-Michel's entry into the art world and his subsequent rise to fame. The sisters explained what motivated their brother's work and his relationships before opening up about his unfortunate passing. They also explained how the family has handled Jean-Michel's estate before talking about the current "King Pleasure" exhibition.
Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure © is on view until January 1, 2024 in Los Angeles. Don't miss a once in a lifetime opportunity to see these works.
Tickets are available at kingpleasure.basquiat.com/

[@Barsvisualized]

Thank you, sistas, for regulating & directing this interview positively & protectingly ✨🖤

[@MJ-hd7nr]

So glad she took over the interview and concentrated on the positive.

[@MrsHart11]

Vlad was in over his head. They ran this interview in the best way. Strong, smart, intelligent and unshakable women. Of course I would love to know the deep nitty gritty but I’m not entitled to it. They have the right idea about everything. I’d love to see the exhibit. Well done ladies. Well done.

[@TheSportsandFilmFellowship]

Jean suffered through allot. They should have mentioned that more. About his mental health and his struggles. It would help many people.

[@bigrich0926]

His sisters did not want to talk about that

[@user-lc7rp3pn2c]

No it wouldn't it would give you something to talk about

[@Majeed.]

His sisters know how much to share about his life. I would love to see his art IRL

[@nonopeno9214]

It is an experience seeing his art in person.

[@dogsalwaysbarkatbetamaleswoof]

I don’t think the sisters were bitter. They aren’t artists, creatives, or media trained. They are normal older ladies with businesses who live private lives. So they would be defensive because they are working to manage an estate. If they were any other race, would they be bitter women because they are defending their own brother’s intellectual property? They represent themselves well and if they were the ones handling anything that belongs to me, I would be pretty satisfied. I wouldn’t be surprised if they are withholding information because they working on the rights to a movie about their brother where THEY are the prime benefactor and in control of the story. That’s how you hold the purse.

[@missmiss9539]

Media trained.. they are related to one of the highest paid artist in history .. clearly even in KZbin .. you are not media trained

[@dogsalwaysbarkatbetamaleswoof]

@@missmiss9539 clearly even in KZbin? There’s KZbin media training? Lol.

[@TaylorWilliamsnaturalisttaylor]

Agree

[@roseking8555]

Man, the other commenters were right on. They owned Vlad. They controlled this interview and didn’t let up. Great interview!!

[@asiatic1979]

The problem with Vlad, amongst so many problems is that he tries to speak to people with lived experiences as if he’s lived the experience himself. He doesn’t know how to conduct an interview responsibly and respectfully because ultimately, he has no respect for the people he’s speaking to. There’s always points in the interview where he makes everything about himself. I’m glad they controlled the narrative as well and protected their brother and father’s legacy. Good for them!

[@michaelsmith-ws2mb]

I used to see the Samo tags in the village nyc in the eighties.. didn’t realize then it was basquiat’s tags. Found out in the 90’s,

[@carmonaangel84]

Ik the 80’s were hard from reading but you’re blessed to see art by one of the best to exist.

[@chevonmichelle]

Basquiat and Al Diaz!

[@missswint35]

I absolutely LOVE how the sisters controlled the interview and narrative they’re NOT letting Vlad “ruin” his legacy

[@jameelahburns9922]

They handled him, he couldn’t dig deep like he wanted!!!!! He wanted to ask about all of the bad things but got shut down!!!!!!!! Kudos to them

[@xavierwilliams4119]

What's the point of an interview when you can't ask all of the questions. So they did not control anything. Besides anything bad you could find online

[@jonathandutra4831]

Calm down

[@NoBiasAllBoxing]

@@xavierwilliams4119you just want people to answer what and how you want them to answer be quiet

[@patriciawilson6978]

Anyone can do a white washed interview. Vlad gets to the whole truth. The truth.

[@jermaineholmes3531]

The sisters was a little tight maybe they were skeptical about the interview.. But understood the magnitude of doing it.

[@kimwritenow]

I didn’t realize he had siblings. Glad to see his family is in charge. ❤ I just watched an old interview with seemingly very young Basquiat. It was hard to watch b/d it felt more like an interrogation than an interview. I hope this one is better. The first couple of questions feel kinda cold… ugh

[@NewDestonations]

Now, how many platforms out there has brought us an interview of Basquiat's sisters? None, but the one and only VladTV. Thanks, Vlad!❤

[@tarastransformation2655]

I really respect and appreciate this interview ❤

[@ShantayNorth82]

Not true. LL interviewed them for Rock the Bells as well.

[@asiatic1979]

It’s been done before.

[@dfya3294]

I get why ppl are saying that they seem standoff-ish & the interview seems surface level content but you got to realize that when your culture is constantly shown in a negative way, you may want to only provide certain details so it won't be twisted around to fit others agenda. Yes it would've been great if they got more into the deep details but I get it & respect it...

[@lizzyav2555]

FACTS!

[@HOPCOUNT]

Yes they dirupted his broken family intro!

[@democracysdoomsday7905]

Respect to his dad. He had his sons back even in after death. A blueprint for what every family should do for a lost loved one.

[@MissKizzy1207]

He wanted to make money from him after his passing. Dad was a two faced hypocrite. Shame on him. Typical, making money from your kids

[@MrsMoses-ye9om]

​@@MissKizzy1207 I highly doubt that! If your child was a famed artist would you not go around and reclaim everything that belonged to him. I would! It's his legacy and all that he had left of his son.

[@MissKizzy1207]

@@MrsMoses-ye9om He shunned his son while he was alive and creating. Didn't agree with his lifestyle ....but then once the colour of money is in the mix, he becomes well versed in making as much money as possible.

[@ieshawashington9459]

Jean Michel Basquiat was one of a kind and a amazing artist.His work will live forever.This was a great and legendary interview. Nice job Vlad❤

[@ajax3039]

Great interview! And Vlad the ‘nitty gritty’ helps the upcoming artists see they can overcome struggles/conflicts.

[@feralLove]

Thank u to the sisters for honoring and keeping their brothers memory alive. Having been born in 60, I remember how the 80's were a dark period due to having Reagan as president and no doubt, on some level, Jean-Basquiat's mental health issues were probably due in part to that and witnessing the NY crack cocaine epidemic ravage the city. Very dark times for sensitive, creative souls like Basquiat.

[@user-oh2fr3iv4n]

Great short documentary on this lovely, talented young man, im so glad I stopped here, he was blessed, now i must pick back up my pencils n paint brush, I loved art, but in our time racism wouldn't allow our work to get the proper recognition it would deserve, so i deveated to business management. Im so thankful to hear this, see you all soon on the cavas

[@seriofineartdesignewyork]

Beautiful interview ❤. Thanks Vlad TV

[@bbrown3867]

I was really looking forward to this interview until there was a very noticeable roadblock of when Vlad so carelessly and offensively asked about their mother’s battle with mental health. As someone who lost my mother due to mental health battles, you have to be extremely strategic and compassionate treading those waters of questions because it’s a very sensitive topic. Vlad should’ve been more respectful, enlightened and gentle with asking that question because the tone of this interview could’ve been very different

[@phill2]

He blazed thru this interview quick😂😂

[@juliosuaz187]

They aint wanna talk the good stuff are in the junkie years

[@mslessgo930]

People can say what they want about Vlad interviews, but every now and then he will bring huge gems on his platforms. Unfortunately society today is so brain dead, they don't make great interviews like this go viral.

[@missmiss9539]

He reminds me of many of the very talented men at Morehouse.. may he rest in peace ❤️🙏

[@DIAMONDGIRL57]

Typical childhood living in Brooklyn during that time period. Kids during that time would make tiny booklets that were like a movie when you flip the pages. Was was growing up in Brooklyn at that time. The museums were free during that time and everyone often visited. Meeting Andy Warhol was the turning point of discovery which was a stroke last of luck. So many young artist were never discovered yet lived the same life style in Brooklyn. So many young people painted all over the walls, sidewalks and subways in the City. His life as a Black person was not very different from other Blacks dealing with life in the city, as well as racism that continues today. Everyone rode bikes, wore Afros and dreads. Unfortunately, Jean often sold his paintings for heroin. His family didn’t have much to do with him as they project to know. Yet, when he died, they suddenly became very involved with making money from his art.

[@MrsMoses-ye9om]

Well... They are his next to kin so it's not like they sought his fortune. Family matters are hard. Have you ever had a family member hard on drugs... You can only leave them in God's hands. We don't know what they've done to help support him. Their intent was to celebrate their brother, at this point. He's been dead for so many years and they are still holding up his legacy.

[@user-px4dx7yi3x]

Your videos always make me feel like I can do anything.

[@IAmtells]

Good interview 👌🏿👍🏿

[@Barsvisualized]

This is the most important interview from your brand of the past 28 years. Artistically.

[@adidaslides123]

Weather it’s because the age gap between the sisters and their brother or just wanted to hold back personal details people have to understand that Jean michel has passed away, we have collections of art with 2nd and third account stories of his life, no one will ever know the true timeline of detail and specifics these sisters are doing an amazing job at keeping their brothers legacy alive

[@TheSportsandFilmFellowship]

They need to open up more and stop being so bitter. It would help heal the pain. Jean died 30 something years ago. I’m one of his biggest fans but they don’t make it easier for people that heal. They are still holding on to hurt and regrets from him leaving the family

[@celestecruthird7842]

Hostility For Sure!😮

[@MrsMoses-ye9om]

WOW! How dare you perpetuate a stereotype so grossly used against black women. You're so entitled to think that these ladies should air out all of their personal business for your delight and interest. It's not about their healing it's your self gratification. Check your heart.

[@marshajohnson6360]

I'm a black woman and I didn't get that and why do you feel they should give there family all.

[@streetgospelpodcast]

Tricky interview.. good job Vlad. The devil on the door story is really interesting

[@DankwaBrooks]

Every time VLAD would bring up how much money his paintings or the estate was worth-the sisters 🙅🏽‍♀️🙅🏽‍♀️

[@bridgetkelly2]

It's an interview. He's there to ask questions & get information for the person watching the interview. Maybe, some ppl are new to Basquiat. He was just asking to get the information to inform the viewer, to show that this artist went from being homeless to making a fortune. Everything doesn't have to be racist or considered "bad". Also, if you don't like the interviews or interviewer, just unsubscribe & don't watch his videos.

[@jdadragon7513]

Bc they ain’t trynna get hit by dem taxes

[@christinharrison621]

The older Sister not playing😂

[@JeterJohn85]

This was a great interview!

[@Reikiht56]

I've never CARED for Vlad! Yes, they handled him. Sisters did a good job. Go to the museum!

[@profitclothingbrand]

They seemed overly offended at some of the questions. As a fan I want to know the good and the bad.

[@nolaclutterbusters1]

Ive always wondered about Jean Michel’s Siblings. Thank you for taking the time to share with us. I wonder what the age difference was between them. I wonder what he would have done if he wouldn’t have passed. Thank you Jean Michel for being you. You are greatly missed. 💋

[@brandonw727]

This one was good. I'm currently looking up tickets to LA to see this exhibit.

[@DankwaBrooks]

@brandonw727 I saw it here in NYC and it’s amazing.

[@MauvaisetBourgeoise]

@@DankwaBrooks when was the exhibit in NYC?

[@DankwaBrooks]

@@MauvaisetBourgeoise last year 2022.

[@emmanuelquiros3952]

He is Afro Latino American every one was proud of him

[@kimberlylassiter545]

Great interview! Such important work.. So happy this family recognized the importance of controlling and managing estates properly to maintain legacy. Most people probably don't even recognize his name/works or realize this is who Jay-Z is honoring with his hairstyle

[@MauvaisetBourgeoise]

Good interview, but I was really disappointed with the Basquiat Sisters at 35:10. Their father's handling seemed to be a point of pride for them, but when Vlad brought up the Authentication Committee they became defensive. I understand if they weren't involved, but that case Vlad referred to was very famous and the sisters could've used that as another example of their father protecting Jean-Michel's legacy.

[@user-gj7sd1gw6x]

Well done ladies for taking control of the interview from some very crass questions. You are both really interesting to listen to.

[@Ken.rodriguez_]

Outstanding

[@probi99]

I really wish his sisters were interviewed by a person of color who could really speak to Jean Michel's impact and legacy for the Afro Caribbean community. Vlad may get all the interviews but he doesn't understand our culture and the political statements Basquiat was expressing. The references are right there and so obvious and alive in the work! During much of this interview I felt they had to defend their brother against the judgmental, ever present, white gaze.

[@asiatic1979]

This comment is so spot on! 💯 he has absolutely zero respect for black culture aside from how he can benefit from it.

[@Dominican1923]

Puerto Rican 🇵🇷 Afro latino there's Caribbean people who are white too it isn't a RACE......

[@Dominican1923]

​@asiatic1979 Puerto Rican 🇵🇷 Afro latino

[@zeva66]

Basquiat said in one interview that he's an ARTIST- not a BLACK ARTIST....

[@honey2354]

There's nobody stopping a black person interviewing them also!

[@user-lc7rp3pn2c]

I don't understand some of the comments on here about jean michel alot of people on here are so focused on his misery instead of his body of work like this one comment about haitian people are "reheasred" for what...? It seems like majority of you are so focused on the bad times in his life KZbin is wrong for allowing you to post this garbage

[@TheSportsandFilmFellowship]

One of the goats !! One of my favorite visionaries 💪🏽🙏🏽

[@erikcortez8207]

They should start a foundation to honor Basquiat's legacy. Keith Haring and Andy Warhol's estates continue their vision and give back to the community. Basquiat's art is plastered on every and anything these days. You can tell the stark contrast compared to when their father ran the estate. I'm not against his family profiting from his art but it can be done more tasteful. All money ain't good money.

[@KSUBIKAYY]

They already have it.

[@erikcortez8207]

@@KSUBIKAYY What is the foundation called? There's no mention of a foundation on his official website or the social media pages run by his estate. He didn't even have an official social media presence before the King Pleasure exhibition opened in 2022.

[@Artist_Josephen]

So glad to hear the story of the family 😊😊. I was expecting more information about Jean Michel 's mum. Besides his father did a great job after Jean Michel dead

[@americase7en]

I felt at times a bit cringe with some of his questions. I think the sisters actually dealt well with some of the insensitivity of the questions.

[@luciverdad4834]

I wanted to enjoy this interview but it was hard since his sisters were being defensive. This interview did not provide more insight than a causal Basquiat fan would know. They were speaking more like museum curators rather than someone with an emotional connection to him. Basquiat is an influential artist but he had flaws. He spoke about his tough upbringing and he spoke about his drug use when he ran away from home so for his sisters to be unaware of anything other than weed is surprising. Their mother had mental health issues so it's not so far-fetched to think Basquiat did as well. Instead of opening a conversation about mental health and drug abuse, they came across as very standoffish.

[@jernesehill1808]

They are trying to protect THEIR money!!! Most Haitians are very secretive….. they do not give out much…🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩

[@NoBiasAllBoxing]

They don’t need to tell his personal business for you to be personally vindicated

[@Livefromthewhytehouse]

That’s family n it’s personal, if you know u know. Why go into negativity when it’s bout celebrating life. He prob did do that devil in the bodega but the dude was his dealer, they weren’t goin to let someone who helped him die also profit off his art n death as well

[@luciverdad4834]

@@NoBiasAllBoxing Isn't curating an exhibition with his personal belongings the same as telling his business? I didn't say they had to reveal explicit intimate details but coming on VladTV, a platform where guest usually open up about their personal life it kills the vibe to be so defensive. They also come across as distant from their brother. For them to even say they didn't know he was on heavy drugs until he died confirms that they weren't around him much because everyone around him knew. They offer insight on his childhood but they don't provide more insight on his career than what you'd learn at a a museum.

[@kristennicolemann]

I agree. Don’t do the interview if you don’t trust the interviewer

[@Zeal808]

I went for my Birthday last year in New York. It was incredible experience I will always treasure 💛 👑

[@Motionedout]

In a way, Jean Michel fulfilled his father's dream of success in America. Just not in the way he thought.

[@dejaniquenelson9458]

Parents will never decide their children’s destiny.. hell the child doesn’t even know it..

[@S0LILOQUY]

@@dejaniquenelson9458thank you, someone needs to say it

[@kimwritenow]

Big Sis put it down! Celebrate his life. Period(t).

[@darrylwilliams1975]

They seem reluctant to talk about his struggles but that’s what made him who he was.

[@brannonmcclure6970]

Thanks.🧑‍🎨♾️🙂

[@joseph_the_human]

BEST Vlad interview 👌🏾

[@user-mx5ov4du2h]

Open up about what? Watch one of the documentary if you need to hear about his drug use and sex life.This is an interview about his work and the exhibition. And they are not bitter, they are focused. Thank you sisters for sharing this incredible art. .

[@MrsMoses-ye9om]

The elder sister specifically stated she wanted to celebrate her brother and to "focus on the positive and not the nitty gritty details" I'm most certain this was discussed prior to the interview but VLAD still pushed the boundaries. Why can't people respect that instead of dogging these women. You can google all the negative information you so desire. Try putting yourself in their shoes, would you so willingly divulge all of your family member's darkest moments.

[@mikeblack2uk]

Too sophisticated for the nonsense.. Jean Michel,would be proud 💪🏽👏🏽💥

[@LegendsofWorldMusic]

@vladtv, why you didn’t asked them why did they moved to Puerto Rico?

[@pcaz23]

Being hatian and having, 2 sisters,growing up in theny/nj area and having a daughter that's half Puerto Rican I'm excited to watch this. Thank you vlad 😎

[@Mrletitgo]

Do they sign off on the licensing deals because if so, they should be ashame of their self. They would literally let someone print Basquiat art on a actual rock

[@chriscurry7692]

That’s probably why they would allow it … doing something outside of the lines with art

[@rayvincente]

Would live to see Trevor Noah interview them. Also, Stephen Colbert.

[@LilouChupie]

Some of the older sister's micro-expressions are very interesting indeed.

[@malekatahcampbell6326]

🙏 ❤

[@edwardthomas6260]

Good job Vlad, letting the sisters know that you could relate to the family dynamics becuz you are an immigrant broke the ice

[@user-kd8hq9wp3h]

It’s Not A Shock I Feel Like They Knew He Was On Drugs Hard And Their Brother Was A Lost Soul Seemed Like And Sadly Seemed Like They Didn’t Have A Strong Spiritual Background Either And His Mom Being In A Crazy House Made Him Worse Seemed Like And His Non Closeness Of His Fathers Relationship Also His So Called Sisters Seemed A Little Jealous Of His Talents Also And How Much He Made👀🤣🤦🏽‍♀️

[@dejaniquenelson9458]

He wasn’t all that famous until he died soooo how jealous could they have gotten?

[@birdysoflyy]

They should've given this interview to someone else🙄. S/o to the Basquiat family nonetheless. Jean-Michel is my favorite artist.

[@dymeaduzin]

🥇

[@SJ-ni6iy]

This interview and Smokey Robinson are my favorites. They are both incredibly talented and interesting people.

[@devonglynn2133]

big big shoutout to the sisters! we love you

[@bigtees1]

I was in NYC in February and still can’t get a cab thank God for Uber smh

[@maroru7577]

It is well known Jean Michel Basquiat was a tortured artist. How could anyone understand his work without knowing his story?. The fact that his sisters didn't know his drug addiction tells they were not closed.

[@VanHalenDrummer]

Look up what Stephen Torton has to say about JMB and how his family is writing out the real story.

[@kimwritenow]

He’s very invasive… “so… didn’t your mom have mental issues… “ Ugh. Comes off rude. He could have said, “Can you share with us about your parents…” It’s like he’s trying to paint Basquiat as a “tragic” flat person. Too bad. This was a great opportunity to sit with these ladies. He just goes down a timeline of closed ended questions a lot.

[@iragrahamiii6367]

I love hearing intelligent black women. I love this interview. I would love to meet them.

[@slimhustle4736]

How and why would someone buy his scull?

[@loveVanity6]

It’s a painting, not his actual skull lol

[@empressfox9735]

its been said he has done over 600 paintings drawings and pieces of art

[@markphillips2254]

It seems as if Basquiat's sisters had a disconnect with him.He seemed like a very strange and aloof man.

[@lizzyav2555]

why does everyone expect to always sell our genus, our likeness rather than safeguarding it?

[@nbadecali1927]

Jay z just clicked on the link 👀

[@TheSportsandFilmFellowship]

😂

[@HOLYOKEFLATS]

yup he wants to be him so bad 😂jeans and chancleta 🩴🩴

[@traceymays4166]

If they were going to act like that, they shouldn’t have done the interview!

[@jdadragon7513]

I don’t like how privileged and entitled they feel for inheriting their brothers work. Like if you didn’t want to do a interview you could have said no

[@vladtv]

not my favorite interview

[@mr.g.a.s2644]

Sometimes it seems as if I find myself watching Vlad TV for all the wrong reasons. Why is it that the most negative stories seem to attract my attention? So much so that I actually noticed myself being drawn into content that didn't promote my spiritual well being or creativity, but did the complete opposite. People have call this channel out for promoting negativity in the black community before. I wasn't one of them I can only speak to my personal experiences. Today I am happy to say that this interview not only fed my spirit and creativity, but left me feeling inspired I'm proud to be an artist of color from New York City who grew up in the 80s and 90s. Also proud to know that basquiat's family still has their hands on the steering wheel of his legacy. Most times in communites of color we hear about these once in a lifetime talents that left such a mark on humanity but their families are usually only left with memories while someone else is benefitting financially. Thank you Vlad, and God bless you ladies for being a great example of being your brother's keeper in action not just words. RIP King SAMO

[@mamaworkn3717]

i think we all know the process of the "rebllious child" who decided to LIVE their own truth ... the should not be so offended by the questions because it is the TRUTH..AND THEY HAVE A FOUNDATION FOR THIS EXPERIENCE

[@KSUBIKAYY]

If you haven’t gone. You gotta go.

[@josepha9061]

Could have left the mental health stuff out.

[@lovelife2186]

See he is not African American he’s Haitian and Puerto Rican

[@butterflylovenj7300]

Correct. He's still black though. His mom was afro latina just like my mom

[@dejaniquenelson9458]

So the kind of black man he is.. is more important??

[@Melons-vg8dq]

He must have worked round the clock

[@remodesu]

They r loaded for doing nothing…

[@dejaniquenelson9458]

Did he not write down anything he wanted to speak on? It just seems very on a whim with the questions. No real thought behind them.. no flow..

[@evanaddison2160]

I love when educated Black Folks come on and make a culture vulture get gathered… you will neva have a seat at our table sir!!!!

[@Dominican1923]

Puerto Rican 🇵🇷

[@lizzyav2555]

AMEN

[@jernesehill1808]

Haitians are so rehearse they do not like giving answers out especially too OTHER people … not a great interview. They were too secretive….. but in all actuality, I can understand why they were😔😏😏

[@TT-dv9er]

They get to benefit from his pain and suffering.

[@webertmathieu5427]

Shame on vlad for pocket watching.

[@thespots]

I’d like for them to protect his legacy not licensing his art on every available surface in the universe. Nobody needs a JMB kitchen rug.

[@maryavalon6280]

who the hell is interviewing him? She's asking very personal yet abstract questions putting him on the spot.. Too bad he didn't have a more experienced and thoughtful interviewer. She was pretty bad....I feel pain when watching it, she's wrong to make him so uncomfortable. Sorrowful.

[@douglassestates8290]

What happened to the other 50%

[@dejaniquenelson9458]

She literally just said we don’t want to make the name be a thing and trying to be known for.. then turn around and ask about how much a painting went for?? And did they authorize a purchase.. whack!!

[@doublem1975x]

That’s the zesty painter 50 talked about?

[@loveVanity6]

He was literally straight tf

[@doublem1975x]

@@loveVanity6 Not true.

[@Majeed.]

Zesty groundbreaking genius