Tag Archives: jean michel basquiat

Modern Art Monday Presents: Fab 5 Freddy, The Return of God to Africa

fab 5 freddy the return to god to africa photo by gail worley
Photo By Gail

When most people hear the name Fab 5 Freddy, they might first think of Blondie’s Debbie Harry giving him a shout-out in their song “Rapture.” Of course, as the original host of Yo! MTV Raps, Freddy helped introduce rap music to millions of viewers around the world. But long before that, Fred Brathwaite — a he was born —was an influential figure in New York City’s downtown art scene, moving effortlessly between graffiti culture, contemporary art, music, and film. His painting The Return of God to Africa (1984) is a vibrant reminder that his creative vision extends far beyond music.

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Eye On Design: Iconographic Wallpaper By Terry Crews

astek iconographic wallpaper photo by gail worley
All Photos By Gail

Terry Crews is a modern Renaissance man with accolades in football, entertainment, art, and design. This wallcovering collaboration with Astek commercial and residential wall covering pays homage to his diverse talents and multifaceted career by recognizing the figures that have inspired him along the way. Continue reading Eye On Design: Iconographic Wallpaper By Terry Crews

Modern Art Monday Presents: Kenny Scharf, Inside Out

kenny scharf inside out photo by gail worley
Photo By Gail

Kenny Scharf (b. 1958)  moved to New York City in 1978 to attend the School of Visual Arts, and rose to prominence in the downtown art scene alongside his friends Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Influenced by popular culture and comic books, Scharf’s distinctly colorful and dynamic work presents joyful worlds filled with carton and anthropomorphic characters.
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Keith Haring’s Art is for Everybody at The Broad

dancing figures under a heart photo by geoffrey dickerkeith haring art is for everyone signage photo by geoffrey dicker
Review and All Images By Geoffrey Dicker

Moments before entering The Broad Museum in Downtown Los Angeles to see Keith Haring’s comprehensive career retrospective  Art Is For Everybody, I (coincidentally) received an email reviewing the show. The article was titled Is Art for Everybody? Despite being very familiar with Haring’s work, I wanted to avoid any spoilers, so I waited to read the article; however, as I walked through the exhibit, that headline stuck with me.

keith haring tribal canvas photo by geoffrey dicker
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Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure Gives The Pop Culture Icon a Second Life

jm basquiat king pleasure photo by gail worley
Story and All Photos By Gail Worley

This is purely coincidental, but maybe ten days before I attended the massive new exhibit Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure, a pair of brazen art thieves attempted to steal one of the late artist’s paintings — valued at $45,000 — from a Chelsea art gallery in broad daylight. The crime was easily foiled as the couple — who, sadly, avoided apprehension — attempted to just walk out of the gallery holding the artwork. Ballsy! I mention this to illustrate the fact that Basquiat’s popularity hasn’t waned  in the 34 years since his death from an accidental drug overdose at age 28. Though he did not get to live a long life,  Jean-Michel Basquiat  lives on through his art, and King Pleasure is here to make sure he is not forgotten.

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