Growing Up With Jean-Michel Basquiat | I Was There

Through the stories and words of his sisters Lisane Basquiat & Jeanine Heriveaux, along with supporting archival imagery and some never-before-seen works of art, VICE gets a unique look into the life and times of famed artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Don't miss your chance to visit "Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure©”, the first exhibition of its kind featuring over 200 never-before-seen and rarely shown paintings, drawings, multimedia presentations, ephemera, and artifacts, that tell the story of Jean-Michel from an intimate perspective, intertwining his artistic endeavors with his personal life, influences, and the times in which he lived. Tickets are available here: kingpleasure.basquiat.com/tic...
"Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure©" the book available here: www.rizzoliusa.com/book/97808...
And check out "Jean-Michel Basquiat: Crossroads" by Lee Jaffe available here: www.rizzoliusa.com/book/97808...
0:00 - 0:40 Intro
0:40 - 1:53 Childhood
1:53 - 2:39 Immigrant Roots
2:39 - 3:07 High School Years
3:07 - 3:45 Leaving Home
3:45 - 4:19 First Show
4:19 - 5:06 Papa, I Made It
5:06 - 6:16 Varied Interests
6:16 - 7:35 Breaking Barriers
7:35 - 8:40 Defending His Identity
8:40 - 9:41 Andy Warhol's Death
9:41 - 10:17 Losing Our Brother
10:17 - 11:47 Legacy
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[@mariatorres630]

What a pleasure to see his sisters talk about him.

[@Leveezy]

🔥💥 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnjXpadqq6d1ZtU 💥🔥

[@butterflyblessbless5836]

I concur 🖤

[@highnation2279]

They make business based on his name now

[@abrahamisaacmuciusiii9192]

Why are you suggesting that Jean-Michel's sisters are exploiting him?

[@terryballsack69]

@@highnation2279 They’re preserving his legacy.

[@ask4theupgrade359]

He was Puerto Rican 🇵🇷 & Haitian 🇭🇹 and very proud of his heritage. Haitians don’t get enough love. Remember Haiti ❤️ R.I.P. ~ JMB

[@brooklynbred1460]

He was a proud BLACK man

[@jenniferwiilis5267]

His name told us he was Haitian😐

[@amokofi34]

@@jenniferwiilis5267 Wrong: His name told us that he was a descendant of French slave masters!

[@amokofi34]

@@brooklynbred1460 So proud in fact ,that he dated Madonna and other white women.

[@kiaq1153]

but became successful in america

[@DavidRichardson95]

I'm on a Basquiat binge. I'm happy these ladies are telling the story of their brother. He was far from what so many others made him out to be. And he was lightyears ahead of his time. You could only imagine what could've been had he not passed so soon. #RIPBasquiat

[@zorkwork3841]

Basquiat was and still is an inspiration...with his art, music and his likeable personality. The early 80s was a great time for artists ..in the East Village scene...Miss Him

[@WisdomTooth1987]

i had a binge several months ago. i even saw the 90s movie here on youtube.

[@DavidRichardson95]

@@WisdomTooth1987 I plan on watching _Downtown 81_ this week.

[@Purplenpinkk]

Have you watched The Radiant Child documentary yet? It's so good - I've watched it so many times. I think you can find it on KZbin.

[@zorkwork3841]

@@Purplenpinkk I've watched it 2 times. My husband and I are artists and really felt Jean Michel was the real deal. Unfortunately too much success too quickly can really cause stress you never had. He was a lovely, smart man. Glad we lived when we were able to see his work and the NY East Village art scene before it became commercialized.

[@myno.666]

This video literally cleaned every single stigma about him that people tried to plant in me every time I said I really appreciated his work.

[@mje1984x]

I'm just learning about him. What stigmas do people put on him?

[@gabrielm.846]

Ik art is subjective and all that but his art was dogshit and a representation of our society lol

[@XDTheLaughingManXD]

@@mje1984x that he was a junky.

[@littleghostfilms3012]

@@mje1984x The art world labeled him a 'savage' artist, and put him in a category of being an uneducated genius.There was a lot of racism directed at him, and people who saw him as a way to make a lot of money. Because he was homeless at the time of when he began to get noticed much was assumed about him being from a poor background, and because of the way his art looked people thought he created innocently without any real art knowledge. Jean didn't try very hard to dispel these assumptions, kind of playing along with it, but over time it ate away at him as he experienced more of this. He didn't tell people much about being from a more privileged background, and how much art history understanding he really had from a very young age. He is up there with Picasso, Van Gogh, and others of that caliber in my opinion.

[@pauliamsocool]

@@mje1984x that he slept with Madonna… urgh.

[@leazora]

This is beautiful! Kudos to the filmmakers for telling this side of his life’s story

[@Leveezy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnjXpadqq6d1ZtU

[@Scott-got-caught]

Hearsay

[@miamiwanderer7633]

all of this info about his life can be found in other places aside from the actual interactions with his sisters. i don;t think they had a close relationship and they are just profiting off of his work and making people believe they are doing good. if they really wanted people to have access to his work, they would make the gallery space exhibition that is currently up in nyc much cheaper than the 35 per person rate.

[@user-hc4ls5of3g]

@@miamiwanderer7633 35$ Is stoopid cheap

[@baronsaturday9560]

900👍 Luv it too..!🦹‍♀ A very sad ending though.. Snobbish racist critics have always been a plague, but it's the public that decides if the work's good or not. Van Gogh, Pollock, and many others were treated bad too in their lifetime, but these kind of artists always become the headcorner stones. They are the originals that others follow, just like Basquiat.

[@BobbyGeneric145]

Basquiat was a genius. The average person in my state, Oklahoma, would say "hell thats just scribbles... My 3 year old could do that!" But when you are in the presence of an authentic Basquiat in a museum, it radiates brilliance. Im a painter myself and believe me when I say that painting good looking ABSTRACT style is incredibly difficult.

[@tribalwar907]

True

[@bacchusdionysus7345]

This is absolutely true

[@karimd88]

I'm going tomorrow to the Boijmans Museum in Rotterdam in the Netherlands and can't wait to see a Basquiat in the flesh for the first time. I completely agree with your statement and also started painting recently and man... the level of respect you already had for artists just tenfolds when you try it yourself, whether that is Renaissance, abstract or impressionism!

[@deeh9563]

Abstract painter here - agreed!!

[@BobbyGeneric145]

@@deeh9563 same with Jackson Pollock... I challenge anyone to make a splatter painting that moves and flows, pulling you in.

[@rickyparrilla2426]

Those were some great years hanging out in downtown Manhattan in the 1980s. No cell phones no social media. We had many places to go and hangout day or night. It was a great fun scene that doesn't exist anymore. I never recall meeting Basquiat but I knew Kieth Haring and would see him out at many places cause we knew some of the same people. NYC was so awesome during those years. It's wonderful to hear his sisters talk about their brother as the prankster. I can definitely see him doing those things. The sad thing is when Basquiat died that's around the same time many people started dying from aids which put an eerie vibe in the air. People today read up on people like Basquiat and literally think that they know what type of person he was when they have no idea. That scene had such a cool vibe it was like nothing I had ever experienced in my life even till today. It wouldn't be able to exist today because people today want to record everything and we had privacy back then and respected peoples spaces. That respect doesn't exist today. It seems the more advanced we get with technology the more respect people tend to lose for one another. That how I see it. RIP Basquiat 🙏.

[@prettynflawed]

Just Beautiful!!!!! I have always had a fascination with Basquiat for many years.. I wish he were still alive, but it was really nice to see this interview for the people that didn't really know about him and all his amazing art!!! Definitely a KING!!!! and his sisters are absolutely beautiful... Thank You

[@Leveezy]

🔥 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnjXpadqq6d1ZtU 🔥

[@barrystevenyoung4818]

What a waste. Died way too young. Amazing what he got done in the short time he had.

[@marathonbleu]

Yes yes and YES

[@mikehisey2631]

He was a genius and his family needs to open a permanent museum in NYC and put everything they own on display. The world needs to see his vision.

[@paulmichaels3655]

Genius how? Hollywood made a movie of it. Most overrated artist of this time.

[@lennarthagen3638]

@@paulmichaels3655 You just hate him because....we all know why. Disgusting.

[@poncho_x4410]

@@paulmichaels3655 How do you figure that man? What about him has exactly been overrated? In my opinion he was tremendously UNDERRATED and not the opposite. Not sure how you've come to that conclusion my friend.

[@paulmichaels3655]

@@poncho_x4410 Underrated must be living under a damn rock. His art is in all school books. His art is politically motivated. His drawings are below average and mostly thrown together. Underrated wtf. 🤭 His artworks are the most expensive too. Unbelievable to say underrated. The nerve.

[@paulmichaels3655]

@Arabella Leppard The only reason he was relevant because Andy Warhol needed to continue his fame. Without Warhol buying his art he would have been a nobody. The rich and powerful influence society. Art is subjective and popularized by only the "Name". As an artist I see it too often.

[@UDONTCME111]

Can't believe his Warhol show got bad reviews. We studied it in college. It's easily one of the most important art exhibits of the time period. Shame he felt bad about an exhibit that has gone down in history.

[@leftyfitzroy]

Ah, the press was flooded with horrible stuff about Basquiat being Warhol's lacky , and how Warhol was only using him to give himself legitimacy in the aet world (which Warhol had always craved) . There was so much unashamed racism and scorn poured out for Basquiat, it's hard to stomach.

[@PhilosophyCat]

Warhol's iconic soup can series was (initially) a total flop. Art takes time sometimes.

[@johnglow7845]

The 80s art world was very racist they were looking for a reason to take diggs at him without coming off racists and warhol was the perfect reason.

[@johnglow7845]

Calling him a lacky devalued not only warhol but Basquiat at the same time it was a a constant dig the media did

[@UDONTCME111]

@@johnglow7845 Clearly....

[@tothelighthouse9843]

Jean-Michel Basquiat's works are monumental. They shimmer with life, ideas, joy, pain, remembrance, curiosity. With time, the art world will catch up to Jean-Michel, & he will gain the widespread recognition he deserves as one of the greatest artist of the late 20th century.

[@junioradult6219]

Yea its not like his art goes for millions or anything😂. Hes sold for 100 mil, pretty sure people know

[@cguibcx]

I went to their art exhibit in LA just yesterday that the family of Basquiat curated along with Vice. What an incredible talent. 💛

[@nobody-wk6ej]

Even now, his work stands out. You can just tell when you see his pieces.

[@Rexaru2099]

Died at 27 So young... what a Visionary at such young age.

[@jadaimani4381]

They tell his story so beautifully and thoughtfully, with such care and nuance. I love it.

[@morganic88]

I lost my younger brother to a drugs OD recently too, so I can sympathise with his sisters. I love the ENERGY & vibrant originality of Jean Michel’s work, as a fellow street artist it inspired me a lot. Now I’m making paintings, sculptures & murals in public to inspired others too… it’s a cyclic process of inspiration & action & exploration

[@jordanarredondo7834]

Sorry about your brother … like the last part of your comment though. Well said.

[@jaytum2992]

Basquiat is extremely misunderstood, and there's no one that can change my mind about that lol. I'm always learning more with Basquiat's work. There's always something new there to discover. There's not many modern artists that have been able to achieve that, to the same extent. Much love to his family for taking the time to do this interview

[@TrudyPatootie]

I think that he was so misunderstood is because he was such a complex soul. Many equate him with being friends with Madonna and Warhol. He was much bigger and brighter than that. His art speaks for him. Gentle sensitive person who was creative and brilliant. He became lost in himself because he was an empath who cared about so many. And many of those he cared about only brought him pain. His sisters speak so beautifully of him. RIP Jean-Basquiat. You left this world too soon.

[@am5790]

no he is not and was not misunderstood ...even back then we knew his fame was earned.

[@jaytum2992]

@@am5790 so that's obviously not true. There's a reason Basquiat had depression and abused substances -- those closest to him often cite how misunderstood he was in the art world. The art world has historically been a predominantly caucasian run society. This means that black and brown folk have historically been overlooked. That that's beginning to change is a big difference from saying that was never the case.

[@anatta467]

he's only misunderstood by you because you never knew him personally.

[@silewis9396]

@@anatta467 Perhaps those journalists misunderstood him for the same reason

[@lyaries19]

I loved everything about this documentary. I wish it was a bit longer.

[@MrWilliamwade]

Go see the show on the lower east side. Through September!

[@sinderella23]

Watch the real doc with his interviews and friends. This seemed like a family speaking kindly of their brother when he was waaay deeper and more totured than they shared. From his accident that inspired his style of painting to his heroine addiction. Sexuality. Trips to his home in Hawaii for sobriety, to being locked in his room on a drug binge found dead. Most artists are tortured. I'm glad his father was the executor of his estate before he passed. Forced him to broker million dollar deals for what he didn't believe in his son for. Funny how the universe works. He ended up with more wealth attention and respect but still kept trying for his father's approval.

[@ThePooper3000]

@@sinderella23 There are a handful of feature-length Basquiat documentaries. Some so mediocre that they're not worth the watch. Which documentary are you referring to, exactly?

[@maryseo.]

​@@sinderella23are you talking about the radiant child documentary?

[@eye4truebeauty355]

I MET YOUR BROTHER IN THE EARLY 80'S SELLING HIS POSTCARD FOR 5 DOLLARS IN A PARK.( TELLING MY FAMILY HE WAS GONNA BE FAMOUS) EVERWHERE IN SOHO SAID SAMO IS DEAD I CAN STILL HEAR HIS VOICE HE WAS VERY SPECIAL. P.S. BEING A KID MYSELF I(thought his artwork looked like child scibbling I thought what is this, I will never forget this scawny kid with a mohawk and oversized coat .

[@misanthropic_shithead7438]

Don't lie

[@misanthropic_shithead7438]

AND STOP TYPING IN CAPS

[@retrospecative2454]

his artwork is child scribbles. he had a kid in his closet that he made paint all of them

[@ad_kk16]

@@retrospecative2454 Someone sold $84,000 from 2 blank canvas. Anything can be art lmao

[@retrospecative2454]

@@ad_kk16 where do i find these smart people that pay that much for a blank canvas. Well there is a celebrity that sold her farts in a jar.

[@raydeaze2577]

The way she described what jmb means to some of us specially been a black man who grow up in the hood but didnt have the same mentality as most people around them was just beautiful and on point. Through him i found the strenghs to be mysellf

[@KimiLondon]

i am so grateful his sisters were able to shine a light on his story. he deserves his flowers and his work lives on forever as a beautiful legacy! ✨

[@katebarker1983]

He had such a unique style, and a genius mind! It’s wonderful to hear his Sisters speak about him! My heart aches for his family, and friends. I love his work, and am naturally curious about his personality too! I am an artist as well, and look up to him so much!✨❤️Rest in peace Jean Michel❤️✨

[@dayglodoggy]

I'm sorry they lost their brother prematurely, they seem like a great family.

[@nuyorican70brooklyn30]

I have the poster from the show w Warhol - literally My absolute favorite artist since I saw that show in 1985 (have the poster framed) when I was just 14 - he went to my school up until 5th grade (before my time) but man!!! The night before he passed I literally bumped into him at the tunnel at like four in the morning ✊🏼 Basquiat was the greatest there will never be another one!!

[@Theodorefinch46]

What was he like?!

[@nuyorican70brooklyn30]

@@Theodorefinch46 He was a few years before me and left (I think) in 5th grade - I had a wonderful Art teacher (Peter Lavanthal, a MASTER) and can only assume he worked w a young Basquiat as he did w me ... MY friends parents owned a gallery so I got to literally TOUCH his artwork that they had in their (Of course) GIGANTIC soho loft ... When I "bumped" into him the night before he died I was moving through the club (As a 16 or 17 year old) ripped on coke weed and cisco - BOOM! never forget that moment - still gives me chills - Peace and blessings 💯

[@Theodorefinch46]

Thank you ❤️

[@nuyorican70brooklyn30]

@@Theodorefinch46 Of course! He inspired me to do what I do! 💯

[@HeyCati8]

It's such a privilege to see Jean Michel's artwork in person the experience was eye-opening he is a genius only if he was still here to see the impact his work has made globally but also how involved his family is .. So darn beautiful 🇭🇹

[@cookingwitchefzayy8830]

One of his art pieces are in new haven Connecticut its one of my favorite pieces

[@hectornegron9155]

Regards from Puerto Rico beautiful ladies. RIP Boricua and thank you for giving us yet another reason to be proud. 🙏🙏🌹🇵🇷

[@chrissystewart6268]

Rest in power JMB 🇭🇹🇵🇷 🙏 Salute to the ones who are mixed with 🇭🇹🇵🇷 👊 Salute to Lisane & Jeannie Basquit

[@trueelementsoul3527]

Both of his parents were of African descent. The only difference was the language and culture. His mother was an African woman from Puerto Rico and his father was an African man from Haiti.

[@robotduhkid625]

I’m literally both mixes

[@jaytum2992]

It's fascinating to hear his sister's, confirm suspicions that Warhol's death and the bad press of their relationship affected him to the extent it did

[@Onaquestfishing]

An absolute legend 👑

[@jaypaladin-havesmartswilll5508]

It is wonderful and important to hear how Basquiat's name is actually pronounced.

[@khalilahd.]

What a visionary it’s so incredible to see all the work he left behind. 💛

[@MrCamwilliams7]

Yes 🙏🏾

[@evelynzlon9492]

His career choice was also visionary. His decision to become an artist instead of the white collar professional his father expected him to be was only "risky" by mainstream American standards. Today, blacks comprise a small portion of the top 1%, but most of these black elites are sports personalities or entertainers, as opposed to doctors and bankers like their white counterparts. Basquiat had the common sense to recognize that although blacks had equal employment rights on the books, no still means no, and wisely took the path of least resistance. He was obviously a prodigy too. I really like his painting displayed at roughly 2:34. The man's stiff side profile pose resonates with the pyramid drawing, as it resembles the artwork in Egyptian tombs. His Frankenstein's monster-like facial features also allude to the purpose of mummification. I can't say enough about this piece, but it immediately strikes you as epic. It requires no explanation.

[@terrencebierke990]

So sweet how his sisters still admire him so much, so many years later. Far too young.

[@cookingwitchefzayy8830]

One of the greatest artists of all time

[@ethane3618]

Gtfo here not even close

[@nightcoder2633]

@@ethane3618 I beg to differ his piece Untitled, 1982 sold for 110 million, his piece -In This Case 1983 sold for 93.1 millions. The Mona Lisa to this day is barely worth 900 million due to inflation. He is one of the greats, just isn’t as contemporary so certain people may argue.

[@shamelessvhs9947]

@@ethane3618 u gotta lean more before you speak my boy

[@ethane3618]

@@shamelessvhs9947 this man said "all time " which would put him up there with Da Vinci. Yea he's good but he's not in the conversation of GOAT

[@Edgesofnowhere008]

@@ethane3618 He Did That 🖕🏽

[@d_exiled_1arisen385]

A Legend taken to soon. I appreciate his art. 🇵🇷✊🏾

[@EB-mz4nk]

I love basquiat, his art makes me feel emotional its amazing

[@nancyblum12]

Beautiful tribute to Jean Michel, the greatest Artist of my generation. Genius mind.

[@CareerDropout.]

I like the part of his sister mentioning his work being available to those who never been to an actual museum. I relate to never going to an actual music concert my entire life until I began playing as a musician of bands. Just the same as he never questioned his work as an artist is the same I don't with my music. As they mentioned, its more so about being respected as the creator of my own creations within the world of art.

[@PogieJoe]

Definitely one of the great artists of the 20th century.

[@julienweems6166]

He gave the world something it didn't deserve.

[@repent_0ne]

True legends never die.

[@TheKasonde]

.. Mllmmlm

[@TheKasonde]

.. Mllmmlm

[@mom2mmpt]

He sounds like he was a sweet and funny guy bursting with talent. I'm glad he had family who appreciated all aspects of him.

[@mom2mmpt]

His sisters have the same emotional empathetic qualities his brother did too. It was reflected in his work and their empathy towards him and his life. Some of my children and I have struggled with depression. I believe it has made us very empathetic, but this makes us vulnerable to being pulled into the void. Even with the best of support, it is still a personal journey to keep ourselves from staying there.

[@stevenwang7850]

A God damn legend. So much love. I am at such a loss for words. I cannot wait to see his exhibit. I have been longing for this.

[@goldenviolet]

A time we will never get back. Glad Basquiat was able to produce so many lovely paintings.

[@yani2499]

Greatest painter of the modern world. 🇭🇹 #SAMO

[@Blessed2bhere34]

Such a wonderful interview. As an artist I have so much love for him. I got to see my first painting from him a year ago and I literally cried. So much imagination and talent is so self reflective. I identify with him.

[@cece72]

I went to his grave and spoke to him, ironically it rained that day and I felt such peace

[@alexisevelyn5290]

he was truly a kindred soul, and his sisters are as well

[@kelleyware6939]

I just watched the Basquiat movie it was very interesting and sad at the same time. Listening to his sister’s tell more about their brother was awesome. Such an inspiration to all. My son is an artist and my brother in love and they really loved his work. I didn’t know about him until my son and now I’m very fascinated. So sad how he left here but his name and work lives on

[@kennethbosejr.4933]

Shout out to our Artisan King! Giving you flowers💐

[@El_pedro81]

I just saw his paintings a week ago in austria!!they were amzing to see in person!!!!!

[@slovakgangstar]

Great documentary on one of America's most gifted modern artists! Loved learning all about him personally including his family background directly from his sisters. Very well done piece on one of my all-time favorite artists! Thx to those who made this!

[@muddaurth5825]

Lol he despised being put in boxes. If you ask him he might say "I am not a modern artist. I am an artist"

[@marshannajohnson8584]

I just came across this video and I love that his beautiful sisters told a different story about Jean-Michel. He was a very worldly, eclectic, and misunderstood man. I really wish that he were still here today, Man oh man he would have been a force to reckon with! I have a son who puts me in the mind if Jean-Michel. The free-form locs, eclectic style, misunderstood by most, and he loves art. I turned him on to Jean-Michel because of that. I just hope that he doesn't follow in his footsteps with the drug use.

[@matewuocean]

My 11th grade art paper was on Jean-Michel after I had heard his name in a Jay-Z song and did some research. I remember thinking that I wanted to create art just like him. He is my biggest inspiration and hearing these stories just warms my heart and makes me feel nostalgic for a man I have never even met

[@abzda1700]

Jay z put me onto basquit as well

[@MonarC27818]

Same

[@shaunamaness854]

Thank you for sharing Jean-Michelle’s beautiful life, story, and his work. What greatness.

[@rayzrealm]

*A legend that’s not talked about enough.*

[@Edgesofnowhere008]

Pisses me off what he had to endure after 1982

[@creativegenius4671]

Wow !! What a treat this was!! I would love for him to still be around to express his creativity, but he has left a legacy for the world to know! I would love to see a part 2 🙏🏿 Thank you for this!

[@theorderofthebees7308]

The exhibit that his sisters and family put together that was on display - in NYC was riveting it was nice to hear the stories see the photographs of family and walk around in recreations of his studio as well as a dance club in frequent . Thank you to family and all those behind the scenes that made that possible

[@msvee2455]

Thank you for sharing apart of his life with us. His beautiful artwork will forever live on..

[@watkinsq9827]

This was amazing I needed this video. I appreciate the humanity they gave him. 🧡

[@5thAvePoshMing]

I love him so much. He was so creative.

[@RDJ134]

Graffiti pioneer and a hell of a artist.

[@michelemurphy3541]

❤️. I can’t imagine how much you miss him. Your Brother brought and still brings me so much inspiration. I absolutely adored him his art his genius. You must all be very special and wonderful…I wish you love and thank you for telling us these personal and private moments. ❤️

[@bluesugar58]

There a picture of a young Madonna at 5:54 that I've never seen! It looks like a personal photo that Basquiat may have taken when they were dating. It's wonderful to hear from his sisters. I'm glad they're showing this more intimate and family-oriented side to Basquiat. I just saw the Basquiat exhibit Art and Objecthood at Nahmad Contemporary. If you're a fan of his work and you're in NYC, go see it, it's free! His work is even more powerful in person. I can't wait to see the King Pleasure exhibit that was curated by his sisters.

[@leerush6978]

I've read that Madonna aborted their baby, behind his back, for her career. Between that, and her not liking his drug use, they split up.

[@TrudyPatootie]

I have always loved Jean-Michel Basquiat's art. What a beautiful soul he was. He was absolutely King. Very sensitive and humble. What a way to honor him through his beautiful sisters Lisane and Jeanine. I was very touched by this. Thank you.

[@TrudyPatootie]

@Donnell Okafor *No...but as an artist* *myself I have followed him through his* *work. His personality is revealed through* *his pieces.* *His work speaks for him as a person.* *And I have read everything I can to *decipher him as a person.* *As a former Black History Teacher we* *would have discussions of his works* *which also defined his struggles.*

[@TrudyPatootie]

@Donnell Okafor *I have been on* *KZbin for so many years and have* *never discussed my race. It should not* *matter to any of us.* *I want my dialogue to be inclusive* *of all. My support of Johnny Depp should* *not be an indicator of race. I have* *changed it many times.* *Let's say I'm black. How would you* *respond? Now how would you respond* *if I'm mixed? Now White? You see what* *I mean?*

[@DONJULUJUVY718]

Basquiat is one of my idols, ive read all that ive can possibly read about him and his life and own tons of books. His paintings are one of a kind and it makes you wonder alot. Definitely a myth and legend and fellow brooklynite 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@arianthegelis]

i love basquiat. he was such an amazing artist and i really enjoyed hearing his sisters talk about him.

[@queenlegitimate5015]

Such beautiful, intelligent women. They tell they story of their beloved brother so eloquently. I thoroughly enjoyed this and could continue to listen to them speak. Wish it was longer!

[@divinesoulsista5425]

I am grateful that his sisters had the opportunity to share their perspective of Basquiat.

[@c-power8393]

After watching this I learned his life itself was Art. This was Nice.

[@elenafoleyfoley168]

I don't know why but I have cried like a baby throughout that entire video😥 A soul such as yours Jean Michel was too pure for this world 🕊️ You were an Old Soul 👼🏽 I know you are happy and at peace now, because I know you will never be ALONE again 🕊️🕊️🕊️✝️🕊️🕊️🕊️

[@urbanpimapie912]

Ever since I saw the movie Basquiat back in the 90s I always wanted to know more about Jean Michel. Long live Samo... Thank you to his sisters for sharing.

[@karenvicks975]

He was such a brilliant artist!!! An uncut raw DIAMOND!! Thank you for sharing and telling his story!!

[@SandraRamirez-hq3sz]

It's so beautiful to hear his sisters talk about him. Such a beautiful talent

[@nicag17]

He was such a beautiful baby and a beautiful soul. May his memory be a blessing ❤️lovely to hear first hand from his two sisters.

[@damnedlock8776]

He is one of my all time favorite artists....RIP JMB.

[@terrikaye12114]

What wonderful wonderful love for their brother, there is Nothing more real than the love of a sister and brother! His talent(s) nothing short of raw and real. He influenced me in my art in so so many ways, the biggest lesson learned do you and be confident in that people will join! Thank you for this talk. People need to know him better to understand him completely.

[@satanslittlehelper9677]

He was a man with an amazing eye

[@romaerb4161]

Thank you from this light sculptor in the Show Me state. I just had my first solo show come to an end. I REALLY needed to see this today! Thank you ladies for sharing. I am the oldest of nine and lost my baby brother, Martin 9 of 9 in 2018 and lost Martin 4 of nine on April fools day of 2022. Just as Jean Michel left the part of himself as a crown, ALL of my photographic artwork is on the road that ALWAYS leads to Me! This interview has helped to inspire me that the is a reason for me still being here and hopefully my best work is yet to come as a light sculptor. You all have reminded me that after such a deep loss, life goes on because it must.

[@zorkwork3841]

Always loved Jean Michel and his work. I wish he was still here. Thank you for sharing ..

[@goalieg3391]

This is amazing to see it from the families perspective. As an artist, he has been such an inspiration for myself.

[@michaelsmith-ws2mb]

I used to c his tags in the village, nyc in the 80’s. And early 90s

[@daviddavirgi6889]

This was insightful and very loving..Jean Michel, was a ray of light and his art lives on and touches so many people who are looking for inspiration.

[@charmaineappiah4070]

amazing, inspired by him for what he stands for and his art.

[@natalielang91]

I wish they would do a great Mini Series on him! All the movies about Jean tell such limited time frames and there was so much more of a story. Show him traveling, with his family.. more of the good times rather than just his success and then struggles.

[@diosmios186]

There is a documentary series on Netflix about Andy Warhol(it's excellent) And Jean is in it A LOT. Him and Andy were friends\collaborators. Which I never knew before

[@diosmios186]

And I'm sorry to tell people but he fell into homosexuality, which the black community doesn't like to accept. But I mean he was close with Andy Warhol so it was in everyone's face to begin with

[@natalielang91]

@@diosmios186 I watched that last month and you are so right. It had a lot of special moments with Jean!

[@samrindge8042]

Earlier this year it was announced that there is a Jean-Michel Basquiat series being made about his life. Stephen James will portray him in the series. There is also a new movie titled Samo Lives going into production this fall. Kelvin Harrison Jr. will portray him in the movie.

[@natalielang91]

@@samrindge8042 Ahhh he was amazing in Selma, good choice!

[@colinthompson426]

About a year and a half ago I started working at an art storage facility and have had the honor of working with and around alot of original basquiats, I always take a few minutes and just take them in.

[@BabyJesus66]

Steal some.

[@roslynsamuria7309]

loved hearing from his family his story their story ❤️

[@yeager1888]

I love him so much

[@alsaulso1332]

This was good!! we need the whole film on Netflix!!!

[@abrahamisaacmuciusiii9192]

Like Jean-Michel Basquiat, I have Haitian and Puerto Rican ancestry too!

[@user-be7xj6sb1d]

Singer "Maxwell" is also Haitian and Puerto Rican..Mother Haitian...his late Father Puerto Rican.

[@TonyJames85]

Great to see the real story God bless his family

[@mgmegt5920]

This is awesome. I can't wait to see the exhibition in person I've been wanting to go

[@japhy6536]

magical story telling - thank you!

[@prestondaniels3890]

Rip basquiat! Absolute inspiration and divine talent

[@randybanunaek629]

The legend

[@khismet]

Yes, i agree he was trying to transcend the barriers 💜 his genius was more than this world could handle. RIP Jean-Michel🌻🙏🌹

[@dariusbush1010]

FANTASTIC KING ! JMB

[@JJ-xz2re]

Thanks for sharing Jean Michaels history he was extraordinary Artist Thanks Jean Michael sisters and vice as well 🙏

[@mitchellreece4170]

I love this, we've heard about his amazing works, but it's prolific to have spoke with the family that nurtured him.

[@GaryCat899]

This was a great story, thanks for sharing his life :)

[@yaarabar5599]

Amazing! he is one of my favorite artists and it's beautiful hearing about his life from the people who knew him and lived him