Basquiat, Baby

I would by no means call myself an art aficionado, but I know a good thing when I hear it. So when it was announced that the AGO would be exhibiting the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat, I knew my attendance would be mandatory. 

I'll spare you the detailed history lesson, but Basquiat was a prolific Black painter, creating numerous works during the height of the explosive 80s art scene in New York. A frequent Warhol collaborator, Basquiat infused elements of graffiti ,jazz, African imagery and social commentary into his art.

Given the recent events in Ferguson and the renewed attention the fact that #blacklivesmatter, the Basquiat exhibit was a timely arrival. Accurately encapsulated by the name of the exhibit: Now's The Time.

The inflections of jazz, popular culture and graffiti in Basquiat's work were striking to encounter in person. Basquiat's often frenzied, vibrant style demands attention. Although the AGO's no photography policy was a bit of a buzzkill, it was refreshing to experience the artist's works without having to peer over a thousand upheld smartphones.

At risk of sounding like a pretentious art-world wannabe, I'll say there is something truly transcendent about being vis-a-vis with the works of such an influential artist. It was also slightly disheartening to realize that many of the themes regarding the challenges of the Black experience in America in the 80s still ring true today. The piece entitled The Death of Michael Stewart serves as a memorial for Basquiat's close friend Michael Stewart, who was shot dead by police for tagging a subway station with a marker. The deaths of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, Tony Robinson and countless others echo the fact that little has changed in the complex and often antagonist relationship between the police and Black males.

The Death of Michael Stewart, 1983
Source: www.basquiatnow.com/

All in all, art fan or otherwise, I definitely recommend this as an exhibit to be experienced first-hand. It's one thing to see a print, or a picture of a work, and quite another to be in the same physical space. Plus it's gives you an excuse to casually discuss your AGO patronage at dinner parties, if that's your thing.

Have you been to the Basquiat exhibit? Who are your favourite artists?