Jean-Michel Basquiat. Image from Freshlyeducatedmen
Last week the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation (GVSHP) added a permanent plaque to the former home and studio of Jean-Michel Basquiat at 57 Great Jones Street in Lower East Side Manhattan. The plaque was added as part of the Historic Plaque Program, which aims to educate the public about the exceptional history of New York City neighbourhoods.
Jean-Michel Basquiat lived and worked at 57 Great Jones Street from 1983 until his death in 1988, which is arguably the period when he made most of his significant work. The loft was originally owned by Andy Warhol, who — by the time Basquiat occupied the loft — was not only his mentor but also his close friend and artistic partner. During this early 80s period, Basquiat was also dating aspiring pop artist Madonna, a union that made them the power couple of the Lower East Side. Their relationship still remains somewhat cursory in the eyes of the public, but Madonna once said in an interview: “I remember getting up in the middle of the night and he wouldn’t be in bed lying next to me; he’d be standing, painting, at four in the morning, this close to the canvas, in a trance.” Although their relationship ended quickly and in bad terms, she has hinted on several occasions how much of an impact his artistic drive had on her. Because of all the historic relevance of the neighbourhood, the street and loft where Basquiat developed, this plaque is of utmost importance reminding NYC of the talent the city is losing due to gentrification.
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