FEATURE REVIEWS

Artwork © Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Licensed by Artestar, New York | Photo: Jeff McLane | Courtesy: Gagosian

EDITED BY ACCA/Helen Caddes

I knew about Jean-Michel as a child, long before realizing we were related. I was captivated by Interview Magazine and the stunning Richard Bernstein covers, and, by the age of 11, I had already begun collecting them. The name Jean-Michel Basquiat frequently appeared on its pages, and our resemblance was striking.

As a young artist with a similar name, for the first time I saw the potential for someone like myself, bearing a foreign-sounding name, to become a true artist. It wasn't until two years later, when he graced the cover of New York Times Magazine in his paint-splattered Armani suit, that my father reminded me of our cousinship. Alyce Basquiat was our mutual great-grandmother. Growing up in a creative family in New York, social life began early for me. By 19, Tuesday nights found me at Nell's, introducing myself as Jean-Philippe, often receiving comparisons to Jean-Michel. People constantly referred to me as Jean-Michel. I adopted the nickname "JP" to deflect these comparisons. Meeting individuals acquainted with him, I garnered a mix of intrigue and suspicion due to our apparent similarities. While our painting styles diverge slightly, an undeniable resonance exists in how our lines meet the canvas. The last thing I desired was to be accused of mimicking his artistic approach. Strangely protective and possessive sentiments surrounded Jean-Michel, a reflection of those who knew him intimately.As he no longer physically resides in our world, memories of him are cherished and deeply personal, making new contributions to his legacy a sensitive matter. Close confidants of his have tearfully confided in me, expressing regret over not doing more for him.

To distance myself from comparisons, I purposefully veered in an opposite creative direction, crafting the 'Chains invisible' artograph as a form of personal catharsis. Embracing comparisons for the first time, I recognize the natural continuation of our shared artistic lineage. Drawing parallels with the Wyeth family, there appears to be a genetic blueprint in our painting styles, an inherent, unconscious connection. Through the fusion of digital photography and painting, I found a platform to collaborate with Jean-Michel, akin to his partnership with Andy Warhol in bygone eras, birthing a new derivative. This deeply personal creation unveiled a chain of invisible events and encounters, evoking a sense of orchestration. The enduring influence of his legacy guides me to uphold the philosophy of line in the light.

This journey led me to the exhibit of Jean-Michel's paintings at the Gagosian Gallery in Beverly Hills, culminating in an ethereal opening night. Accompanied by my sister Emmanuelle, who beheld his work for the first time and was struck by the profound impact of witnessing his vast collection amidst eager crowds. The atmosphere resembled a rock concert, evoking a sense of deja vu from my past visit to the set of Julian Schnabel's Basquiat, set in a similar gallery in Soho, New York, where amidst the bustling scene, a moment of recognition occurred when David Bowie, dressed as Andy Warhol, extended a welcoming hand. Jeffrey Wright, embodying Jean-Michel, was also present on set,

Wright also graced the event in Beverly Hills, along with esteemed guests such as Elton John, Jane Fonda, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Chris Rock, who paid homage to Jean-Michel's influential and timely work.

Among the crowd, I encountered familiar faces linked to Jean-Michel in serendipitous ways. A notable presence was Jeanine, Jean-Michel's sister and my cousin. Despite my reservations, stemming from the surroundings of this charged environment, I summoned the courage to establish a connection. It proved to be a poignant moment as two distinct realities merged - a stranger and a relative, offering profound respect for his legacy. A particularly moving experience was witnessing Jean-Michel's niece, Sophia, a burgeoning filmmaker, express a profound spiritual connection despite never having met him, acknowledging his invisible presence. Her sentiments resonated deeply with me, revealing a shared understanding beyond physical realms.