‘jean-michel basquiat: king pleasure’ exhibition designed by sir david adjaye opens tomorrow

an exhibition organized by the artist’s family

Designed by architect Sir David Adjaye, the exhibition ‘Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure’ opens tomorrow in New York. The show takes visitors on an intimate journey organized by the artist’s family, and displays over 200 never-before and rarely-seen works which include paintings, drawings, ephemera, and artifacts. More than a white-washed gallery, the journey includes a recreation of the artist’s childhood home in Brooklyn, his art studio in the city, and the VIP room of the palladium nightclub where he hung two paintings.

‘Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure’ opens on April 9th, 2022 at the Starrett Lehigh Building in Chelsea. Find tickets available here!

all images © designboom

memories of Jean-Michel Basquiat, the young artist

‘Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure’ (see more here) invites viewers to take a look into the artist’s youth. Throughout the exhibition, designed by Sir David Adjaye (see more here), filmed interviews with the artist’s sisters and childhood friends recall memories of his early life growing up in New York, a brief period living in Puerto Rico, and how these memories reflect through his works. 

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s works of art, organized by the family, are displayed largely chronologically. Early on through the show, visitors can view leaflettes of newsletters the artist created for his high school in Brooklyn, pages from his sketchbooks, early drawings, and personal notes. Ultimately the show concludes with a recreation of ‘nightlife in New York,’ the atmosphere of the Palladium nightclub illuminated by candlelight. 

‘Introduction’ introduces visitors to Jean-Michel, his family, and his heritage alongside several self-portraits

the architectural gallery space by sir david adjaye

While a whitewashed gallery space might highlight the rich textures of the artist’s work (often painted upon found objects and furniture pieces), Sir David Adjaye organizes the exhibition ‘Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure’ more architecturally. The gallery is transformed into a complex streetscape, finished with textural wood panelling to emphasize the artist’s deep connection with the city. 

Meandering through this recreated ‘neighborhood,’ the visitor passes through a meticulous recreation of Jean-Michel’s childhood townhouse and his art studio. Every last detail has been accounted for, from a wall of bookshelves and spices in the kitchen, to paint splatters and scattered VHS tapes. 

‘World Famous’ details Jean-Michel’s meteoric early success and includes paintings and other ephemera

supporters of ‘Jean-Michel Basquiat: king Pleasure’

Leading New York-based alternative investment platform Yieldstreet has joined as a participating sponsor for the exhibition. Yieldstreet is committed to democratizing access to investing in art and provides investors with exclusive private market opportunities including their recently launched ‘The Artists of Harlem’ fund. Yieldstreet joins Spotify, VICE, and Phillips as the participating sponsor of ‘Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure.’

Renowned furniture design and manufacturing company Arper provides furniture for the Michael Todd VIP Room recreation at the exhibition. Arper is a family company that operates internationally and is acclaimed for their bold designs and commitment to sustainability.

‘Art Gallery’ displays 100 paintings and drawings, all owned by the Estate and most never before seen

Recreation of Jean-Michel’s childhood home

IDEAL-57, Great Jones Street Studio (August 1983) Studio Recreation

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exhibition info:

exhibition title: Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure

artist: Jean-Michel Basquiat

curator: Sir David Adjaye

location: Starrett Lehigh Building, 601 West 26th Street, New York

tickets: available here

images: © designboom