Fallen Angel, 1981. Image from livingmajor.com
Next year, London’s Barbican will host a large-scale exhibition featuring Brooklyn’s post-punk genius Jean-Michel Basquiat. This hugely anticipated and long overdue event marks the artist’s first major UK showcase since his tragic overdose in 1988.
Entitled “Boom for Real” (a phrase Basquiat coined to describe something he really loved), the presentation comprises over 100 works including painting, collage, print, performance, graffiti and music. Additionally, his first-ever show – a 1981 group exhibition hosted in Manhattan’s defunct PS1 gallery –will be recreated. The Barbican has already secured 17 of the artist’s 22 works from the original “New York/New Wave” display in preparation for the affair.
Jane Alison, the venue’s Head of Visual Arts, has been vocal about the importance of this exhibition on young and emerging artists. She labels the show as a “rare opportunity for visitors to see a huge body of some of his most famous and also lesser-known works in one place.” Visitors can look forward to seeing Basquiat’s famous neo-expressionist style – pop culture meshed with street art, blood paintings, self portraits and a mixology of words from the SAMO© days – a true can’t-miss opportunity for all of Basquiat’s UK fans.
Jean-Michel Basquiat, The Radiant Child (Video). Image from studiobykelly.com
Self-Portrait, 1982. Image from wikiart.org
“Basquiat: Boom for Real” is on display at London’s Barbican from 21 September 2017 until 28 January 2018