Basquiat: Made in Japan
Jean-Michel Basquiat, the street-based artist who left this world at just 27 years old.
Over a mere ten years of active practice he produced more than 2,000 drawings and over 1,000 paintings — a prolific output of roughly 300 works per year.
With roughly 130 works assembled, this is the largest solo exhibition of the artist ever held in Japan — a truly precious occasion.
As the checklist makes clear, many of the pieces come from private collections, and one senses just how much effort went into gathering them.
Basquiat is said to have loved drawing since childhood.
Without formal training,
The “crown” is Basquiat’s iconic trademark motif, adopted in many of his works.
Also on view is the work Yusaku Maezawa, former CEO of ZOZO, purchased at auction for approximately 12.3 billion yen.
When it was shown in Daikanyama immediately after the auction it was framed in an acrylic box, but in this exhibition it appears unframed.
Visitors can view the paint surface directly from very close up.
Right: Jean-Michel Basquiat, “Made in Japan II,” 1982
Also on view is a painting Basquiat made on the wall of “Restaurant Bar CAY,” located on the first basement floor of Spiral in Omotesando.
It was painted directly on the wall of the venue during one of his visits to Japan, and the painted section alone was preserved when the store was renovated.
Merchandise
The exhibition’s museum shop was exceptionally well stocked with original products and collaboration items.
On offer were many pieces including limited-edition Bearbricks and collaborations with Moleskine.
I’ve compiled the details in the following article; please have a look.
In Closing
The works Basquiat left behind felt, to me, somewhat akin to the drawings of a child.
Even across the years, their momentum and energy come through directly, carrying a freedom that makes the viewer’s side feel buoyant as well.
After the visit I felt filled with a sense of openness.
