If you’ve missed the art event of the summer due to a non-stop schedule of previously postponed weddings, cookouts, concerts and travel, you’re in luck. The Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure© exhibit has been extended through Oct 31, 2022.
Who is Jean-Michel Basquiat?
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s distinct artistic style and expression secured his spot as one of the most recognizable modern talents in the world. Born in Brooklyn to Haitian and Puerto Rican parents, he first made a name for himself as a graffiti artist producing work using the pseudonym SAMO in New York City. He sold sweatshirts and postcards featuring his artwork on the streets before his painting career took off. His contemporaries included other famous artists like Keith Haring and Kenny Scharf.
Basquiat’s work was included in the historic Times Square Show of June 1980, which earned him notice in the art circles and by 1982 he had his first solo exhibition at the Annina Nosei Gallery in SoHo. Soon, his canvas artwork was in high demand. He befriended and collaborated with Andy Warhol in the mid-1980s.
Alas, Basquiat’s life came to a tragic and abrupt end when he was just 27. He is now interred in Brooklyn’s historic Green-Wood Cemetery.
What is King Pleasure©?
Replica of Basquiat’s Great Jones studio
Scenes from Basquiat’s active social life
Named for one of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s paintings, King Pleasure© stands out as an art exhibition because of the participation of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s estate, which is run by his family. There is love. There is pride. But there is also loss. And an overarching imperative to protect his legacy. It includes many works from the family collection that have never been available to the public before.
In addition, King Pleasure© isn't just about Basquiat, it’s about Basquiat as a quintessential New York City artist. You’ll see how the city shaped him and became intertwined with his art. There is a view into his upbringing, his progression as a thought leader and artist, his social influences, and his process.
King Pleasure© is a journey, where the art is a product of the man.
Where is the King Pleasure© exhibit?
The exhibition is located at the Starrett-Lehigh building in Chelsea. Make a day of it with an art gallery crawl. Or take the opportunity to discover all the fun things to see and do in Chelsea, which include a museum dedicated to posters and world-class street art.
King Pleasure© Exhibition Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday:
11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday:
10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Closed Tuesdays
The exhibition will also host Family Day on Saturday, August 27, 2022. Kids tickets (ages 13 & under) will be $15 online, $18 for walk-ups. There is no ticket needed for children under 3 on any day.
Please note the entrance to the exhibit is on 27th Street.