Jean-Michel Basquiat: Crossroads

Lee Jaffe, a cross-disciplinary visual artist, musician, and poet, captured Jean-Michel Basquiat through an unfiltered and authentic lens during their travels abroad in 1983. The collection showcases rare depictions of Basquiat, including smiles on a bullet train and behind-the-scenes documentation of his artwork. Jaffe's memories and anecdotes provide insight into their friendship, collaborations, and travels.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 03 May 2022
Publisher: Rizzoli International Publications

Lee Jaffe, a multi-talented visual artist, musician, and poet, captured stunning photographs of his friend Jean-Michel Basquiat during their travels abroad in 1983. As a photographer, Jaffe had a deep connection with Basquiat, and their time together resulted in an invaluable archive of imagery that authentically portrays one of the art world's most legendary figures. Basquiat and Jaffe bonded over their shared love for reggae music at a mutual friend's art show in the early 1980s in New York. At that time, the art scene was vibrant, complex, and thriving, and Jaffe forged strong relationships with cultural icons such as Basquiat, Bob Marley, and Peter Tosh. Jaffe recalls, "Watching him [Jean] paint reminded me of the times I would sit and play harmonica while Bob Marley, with his acoustic guitar, would be writing songs that were eventually to become classics. With Jean and Bob, it seemed like they were channeling inspiration coming from an otherworldly place. This beautiful volume presents a glimpse into Basquiat's life: from smiling on a bullet train in Kyoto to behind-the-scenes documentation of Basquiat creating artwork in St. Moritz, to poignant portraits that reflect his undeniable charm. These rare depictions of Basquiat come to life through Jaffe's unforgettable experiences of their friendship, collaborations, and travels, detailed in private written memories and anecdotes. This insightful and moving illustrated volume captures the essence of the unedited, ambitious, young artist during the height of his short yet extraordinary artistic career.

Dimension: 298 x 248 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780847871841