A new book spells out Jean-Michel Basquiat’s prolific time in Los Angeles – Huge
Jean-Michel Basquiat (formerly) was often associated with the New York art world in the 1980s, but between November 1982 and May 1984, the artist was mostly more productive on the other side of the country.
During his first stay in California, Basquiat released two Art World Titans Titans in a residence on Market Street in Venice, after the artist’s West Coast debut. He returned to New York and then returned to Market Street in the summer of 1983, when he built his own studio. He was there until the second spring.
Although brief, Basquett’s time in Los Angeles was creatively fruitful. Over a year and a half, he worked with publisher and curator Fred Hoffman to produce about 100 paintings, as well as works on paper and six screen printed editions.
This period produced works similar to “Hollywood Africans”, which are the acrylic and oil stick ingredients on the bright yellow aftertaste of Southern California sunshine. The mixed media work is based on the artist’s self-portrait and the identity of the toxic and Rammellzee, two doodle icons seen as “new black celebrities.”
This history is detailed in the upcoming book Made on the Market Streetpublished this August by Rizzoli and Gagosian. The book (the gallery of the same name has titles for the 2024 exhibition, including archive documents such as exhibition reviews from 1982 and 1983, press releases, invitations to open receptions, and more. His studio also published photos of the artist for the first time.
Considered as a potential companion to Basquet’s 500-page monograph, Made on the Market Street It illustrates the little-known period and creative practice of his life. The book features conversations and writings by Hoffman, Larry Gagosian, filmmaker Tamra Davis and artist sisters Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux, all of which provide unique insights to one of the most successful artists of the time. Book your copy at the bookstore.
