Inside Jean-Michel Basquiat's New 'King Pleasure' Exhibit

A new exhibition, “Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure©,” which opened in New York City over the weekend, presents a different perspective on the late artist’s life, career, and success: his family’s. Basquiat’s sisters - Heriveaux and Lisane Basquiat - and his stepmother, Nora Fitzpatrick, organized the exhibit, located at RXR’s Starrett-Lehigh Building, collecting more than 200 never-before-seen or rarely shown paintings, drawings, and objects from the family’s archives.
Get the full story at: bit.ly/3xkQZJl

[@channelbroomfield9811]

I’m soooooo glad his family has a hand in exhibiting his work. So many artist have their work put up for auction after their deaths and their estates see no compensation. Beautiful family 💖

[@llm4187]

Well that is the artist’s choice, if you think about it. Prince did not leave any instructions. Not doing that is still a decision.

[@xlerosx]

Id rather see his art displayed by art lovers rather than a couple of nobodys.

[@ziraprod6090]

When they go up for auction? Who the hell do you th think gets that money? The estate holders.

[@UVbabyy]

Love that his family is preserving his work and keeping a bright light on him

[@llm4187]

Fun fact, Madonna dated him, when they broke up, he asked for all the work he had given to her, like 30 plus pieces. He burned them all!

[@ziraprod6090]

Squeezing all the juice out.

[@TheLillianYoung]

I could tell that this exhibition was done by his family. It felt like walking through a family album. It was perfect and now I'm obsessed with Jean-Michele's story.

[@boukmananddessalines5522]

Listening to Basquiat’s sisters brought tears to my eyes. I could feel their pain, joy and their pride. Jean-Michel Basquiat, a genius who has transitioned too soon. Consolation for his family and admirers: So, as long as more exhibitions are being curated, and more books are being written about his life and his work, his Spirit will forever Rest In Power alongside his Ancestors. Ago, Agosi, Agola!

[@DavidRichardson95]

These ladies are refined and eloquent. Just like their brother. He was so ahead of his time. RIP JMB. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏👌👌👌

[@TheSnipes1]

I paint because of him. I'm glad his sister's are keeping his legacy and his artworks alive!!!

[@reimourrpower9357]

Bravo to the Basquiat family for this exhibit. They uniquely have a perspective on the legacy to share and we are all fortunate for it.

[@florangelcastillo537]

I went yesterday. They did achieved the perspective i felt the family touch during all the exhibition. Good job!!

[@rinatang4061]

THIS fills my 💝 ! Thank you Basquiat Family for sharing your brother with us !

[@veryeyeofnight]

Basquiat has a very strong language in his art. Forever inspiring.

[@ashleyparson5305]

There’s such a tenderness about this exhibit. Impressive of his sisters to conceptualize such a project and then bring it to life.

[@johndoe1765]

This is the most important presentation of Jean-Michel Basquiat life ,direct with truth 'and love and I love these two sisters for giving the world the many important sides of this great artist.

[@robertjessamine4877]

This is a great show many thanks to his adorable sisters for putting this together .

[@bunnybangz]

Stunning such a legend and what inspirational human being his spirit will always live on especially through this, well done 👏 ✔️

[@chrissystewart6268]

Woow Amazing Salute to Lisanne & Jeanine Basquit🇭🇹🇵🇷🇺🇸 Rest In Heaven Jean-Michel Basquit🙏🙏

[@thaxtonwaters8561]

The family's perspective is ALWAYS invaluable.

[@loiusrose8003]

Wait... are you saying it's worthless?

[@thaxtonwaters8561]

@@loiusrose8003 invaluable: extremely useful; beyond calculable or appraisable value; of inestimable worth; priceless

[@ciaran8306]

Beautiful words from two genuine and lovely girls, you can see their pride and sorrow for Jean-Michel. It's great to see they are in charge of his estate.

[@bristletops2153]

i discovered basquiat in school, studying art. i am a painter - realism/ surrealism/ portraiture/ figurative - and have not a clue or even a concept on expressionism/ modern-expressionism but i love his work. I love his ability to grasp mark-making via words. doubling words/ letters as "marks" while also using their meanings to develop art that speaks on society, race, art and most definitely on individuality. your exhibit puts all of that in an even greater, deeper and more realistic context. it's also great to see his family/ community having a say and "control" over his work as well. it seems as if for too many years that basquiat's art was used by others to benefit, elevate and even financially prop up themselves, while his own people (family) were not even acknowledged or included. basquiat - as well as all artists! - had an origin, a beginning that played a much larger role in his creative development in such small, seemingly insignificant ways that were overlooked. until now. thank you!

[@jawarablake]

I love that his family is the big part of this.

[@bahhumbug9824]

Saw this on NYE and it was AMAZING!!!! I knew little about him and this show really shows you some of what made him tick. So much better than seeing just 1 artwork on a wall in a modern art museum. The recreation of his studio was awesome.

[@mikecappa1094]

Jean Michel was/is a good friend of mine. I wrote a story about our times together. Jean Michel Basquiat , his time in Hana Maui. Available on all online outlets. The point of my story is that few people knew Jean Michel. Most thought they knew 'Basquiat'. They were 2 different people. Aloha...myke cappadona.

[@sigmasociety2180]

how did you two meet?

[@mikecappa1094]

We met on Maui in 1984....and knew each other a few years . I knew Kelli Inman and i met his dad.

[@marupauta8142]

Link ur stories

[@stevecampbell1305]

Thank you I will be sure to find it!

[@creativeartbyluvensky]

Basquiat will be always alive through his work. Family is tree and soul of all the artists, an artist is just the light 💡 of his family and community. This is a great job Basquiat’s family is doing for him. It’s awesome!

[@cookingartguy2170]

To think that one of his pieces would have been attainable to me around 35 years ago is fascinating to ponder.. And, infuriating! LOL. I love his work, and from all I've learned about JMB over the years, I believe he was a gentle soul, too gentle for THIS damn world. I wish I could see this exhibition but I'm in South Florida. I have seen several of his works up close and personal, and they retain a radiating power, just like the work of his friend Keith Haring. ❤ I have a good friend who has a friend who waited on JMB in the 1980s and commented that he was in a surly mood and looked unkempt so therefore they determined that he is forever more repulsive and filled with attitude. How silly it is to judge a person on one small brief encounter. Good Lord!, I would hate to be judged on one of my bad days. Anyway, loved this.

[@MehranMoin]

I absolutely loved the exhibition specifically because the experience was crafted from the perspective of Jeanine and Lisane Basquiat - this is what I've been waiting for. It's refreshing to walk through the space and soak up all of the stories and experiences that hoydi toydi art scholars could never ever capture in their assessments, essays, and writings. Just look at all of Jean-Michel's writing throughout the entire exhibit if you have the ability to go - his personal writing will tell you all you really need to know and want to know about his inner self, his struggles as an artist in America, and his personal experiences that informed his masterpieces. It's all right there ❤️ my deepest gratitude to the entire Basquiat Family, all members of the Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat, and the architects at Adjaye Associates for bringing his childhood home and studio at 57 Great Jones Street to life. Don't forget to snag a copy of the King Pleasure book at the end of the tour if you have the ability - it's worth every penny! Wonderful never-before-seen photos of Jean-Michel and his family, and heartwarming stories that have never been hear before.

[@ziraprod6090]

Struggles? And who are you working for?

[@MehranMoin]

@@ziraprod6090 😂😂😂

[@kevinpham3022]

You guys must have endured so much. It means so much to me personally. We've been to the exhibit at Chelsea a few years back so this was a anniversary for us. Thank you so much for this and the variety was amazing! Basquiat forever❤!

[@cxellez]

saw my first basquiat in real life recently (panel of experts), it was a beautiful experience, to be able to see such a huge inspiration with my own eyes

[@dawnlovescouture2644]

I saw Basquiat’s collabs with Andy Warhol at the Warhol museum in Pittsburgh. It does inspire awe to see the works in person.

[@dalegrahme7394]

There are so many fakes and his art is hard to sell

[@DC-pk7hl]

I was there on my birthday a few weeks ago! It is a stunning exhibition! I felt like I got to know Jean-Michel Basquiat so much better. it was extra special knowing his family wanted to give us a glimpse into their lives as the family of Jean-Michel Basquiat, by sharing more of his work and cultural artifacts. Thank you!

[@rx7561]

I've always been a big fan, especially after seeing the Julian Schnabel directed eponymous movie. Schnabel and him were friends from going to the School of Visual Arts here in NYC.

[@trevor8417]

Yeah, keep up the good work, it's very much welcome... Much love....

[@UCFW_joker]

I’m really happy you took the time to do this, more kids need to know his story so his legacy lives on. I wish you all the best

[@constancemarie5727]

Thanks so much. Very interesting. I’m so happy to see Jean-Michel family’s view and exhibition of his work. I love Jean-Michel’s works, he’s my favorite painter 👩🏽‍🎨

[@MEGAjunglejuice]

Good to see some of his work being in his family.

[@LoveDandD]

I cannot wait for LA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Purplenpinkk]

I hope they bring this out to Los Angeles one day - would love to see this - I find him fascinating.

[@marcocelentani6680]

Wowww i wish i could fly to see it. It looks incredible and so personal. Grat jod

[@Only1QueenOfEverything]

Amazing! I hope this exhibit will travel to the west coast! 💗👑

[@jonsmith848]

Kudos to The Family for Taking the Artistic Reins✊🏼

[@kay5266]

Jean Michel must be so proud of them

[@cafecitotime1414]

Lovely. Basquiat art is timeless

[@corey6279]

It's sad we only acknowledge and appreciate the impact of humans.when there gone .

[@llm4187]

The first time I ever heard of him, was watching’Some kind of monster’ Metallica documentary. Lars Ulrich had one of his paintings, he decided to auction it off, he talks a little about it. So I went to research who he was, wow, what a story, if you don’t know, you have an incredible tool to find out about things! Instead of watching women brush their hair or men working out.

[@louhawk559]

Grew up 1 block from Brooklyn museum. Went to PS9. I'm 60. basquiat would've been 61. My birthday is Dec 21 1961. Basquiats was Dec 22 1960. He went to PS1. We somehow never meet... now I paint because of him.

[@dawnlovescouture2644]

I cannot wait to see this exhibit!

[@toussantlbisso]

You'll be Waiting a Long time unless you know someone !

[@dawnlovescouture2644]

@@toussantlbisso I have tickets!

[@toussantlbisso]

@@dawnlovescouture2644 When I checked it appeared sold out into 23

[@dawnlovescouture2644]

@@toussantlbisso I have had tickets since they went on sale.

[@ANatara711]

I went, it was wonderful

[@dawnlovescouture2644]

I’m going at the end of the month.

[@ANatara711]

@@dawnlovescouture2644 you’re going to love it!

[@wanderlustaesthete4117]

@@dawnlovescouture2644 going in June and I can’t wait

[@dawnlovescouture2644]

@@ANatara711 I am so excited!

[@emmanueldauya7356]

Legendary.

[@nanairomiso]

it would be amazing if this exhibit could make its way to japan. would love to see it!

[@tomcat3001]

You should see his "Untitled" $100M+ I painted!!! Viva Basquiat!

[@Ziptie247]

Anyone else see the mic at 8:01

[@williamglass6732]

I think this the most important thing ever done about this artist it gives you an understanding of who he really was and where his art came from which I understand he had a tough time trying to explain to the NY art world while he was alive, up until then everyone just thought of him as some graphitte artist creation of Andy Warhol's factory

[@llm4187]

You know he is from modern times? You can Google him and see him speak and paint .

[@ziraprod6090]

Wrong.

[@douladoulasarah1031]

Are they doing an emersion Basquiat experience. There should be. It would be amazing 👏

[@N0phillter]

👑

[@lofisis7271]

The online art art show how to purchase tickets?

[@shayjtarot]

I would love to own one of his pieces 🏆🎨🖼

[@barbaraspector6689]

Get a copy or a tee shirt.

[@reimourrpower9357]

@@barbaraspector6689 a verified print I saw onsale in downtown Philadelphia went for $12,000.

[@reimourrpower9357]

Basquiat's ex-girlfriend Madonna (yes that one) said she could barely afford an original now and she's worth nearly a billion. Good luck.

[@llm4187]

@@reimourrpower9357 She never said that.

[@reimourrpower9357]

@@llm4187 yes she did, look it up. Of course it was hyberbole because she actually can afford to purchase his work but some (in the $100 million range like "[untitled] head") would put a dent in even Madonna's deep pockets.

[@brandyvaughn1]

Are you open to the public cab we take pictures because I am a photographer and my son is a wanted to be painter

[@YallahYah]

KING PLEASURE 🤴🏾

[@tlink1993]

show us more of the art doe lol

[@llm4187]

They have to protect people from copying his work, like tmz water mark everything. Go see it.

[@elomartz3428]

Viva Jean Michel B!!!

[@toussantlbisso]

That exhibit is Sold Out for Soooo Long ! Unfortunately

[@rayrc9192]

I recal' jean would play music record creating ' from book

[@lidijabasanovic9779]

As its been said he was not close to his family,they didnt help or support him, except his mom..those nobodies now are millionaires 🎉

[@AX1A]

crushed my last money into those feet to see this show..slept in a fort which should catch fire - wine w/ winos - the Samo shyte

[@pharaohatem4691]

$$$

[@richhousereviews]

basquiat

[@juliapicozzi8828]

Rolling stone ....the boom is in the shot wtf 5:21

[@llm4187]

That is what you got from this? I bet you are fun at parties.

[@heatherlovesyou12]

the way these sisters keep emphasizing family when his family literally hated him when he was alive 😣 read widow basquiat

[@AX1A]

No, Not true. Like any young man, myself included, to have experienced conflicts with one’s father is de rigueur and part of growing up.

[@reimourrpower9357]

So you believe a book by an ex over his family that have his name and are blood. Whatever.

[@cookingartguy2170]

And the same could be said about Keith Haring and many other artists, or any average anonymous person for that matter. I believe creative people especially want to fly and have different values, goals, and priorities than what most families want them "to be", and of course there's going to be conflicts. That doesn't mean there's a lack of love and in the case of Basquiat and Keith Haring, they never really had a chance to develop more stable bonds with their families later in life, they were still in the middle of their journey,, although Keith Haring was on very good terms with his parents at the end of his life and though they had differences, they adored him and supported him.

[@xlerosx]

Exactly!

[@ziraprod6090]

Ah... an actual comment that is not BS.

[@brandyvaughn1]

Ensight is really not all that when he has to run away from home to be art expression is a shame for real it's horrible that we have to run away from home to be able to get homeless sleep in the element s to prove a entire point because the dad was very very mean to him

[@rachelblack314]

Don't pretend to be some sort of feminist ally when you can't answer, "What is a woman?"

[@leststoner]

Milk it!

[@dapromiseone11]

I’m his fam I’m his cousin

[@uberglamazon]

Gift the Michael Todd room paintings to a NYC museum if you are really interested in 'his legacy.'

[@SalimSivaad]

That’s a mighty whyte sentiment right there. Why should the family “gift” paintings worth $100s of millions? How is giving away family wealth in any way protecting his legacy? That’s the definition of a colonizer’s mindset.

[@gregdahlen4375]

They don't look quite as rad as Jean-Michel. He went out on heroin like some of his jazz heroes. I think bohemianism is good but not taking it that far.

[@ApplePie..]

Mediocre artwork.

[@wahidnazari3678]

Too bad talent leaves early.

[@ashleymitchell3370]

Most amazing exhibit, highly recommend 🥹🫶🏾