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As the graffitist SAMO, Jean-Michel Basquiat sprayed his art onto New York City buildings and subways in the 1970s. By the early 80s, he had switched to traditonal canvases, and his kinetic and colorful neoexpressionist paintings were immediately noticed. His obviously prodigious talent brought about the 25 year old artist's quick rise to fame. But Basquiat's celebrity was also fueled by his charisma, which helped him gain entree to the era's heady downtown art scene. There he met many luminaries, including Andy Warhol who became a close friend and collaborator.
Basquiat's moment in the sun didn't last long, however. Reverberations from a fractured childhood, racism and personal demons apparently derailed his best intentions and undermined his talent. After Warhol died suddenly in 1987, Basquiat spiralled down into drug addiction, dying in 1988 of a heroin overdose. He was 27.During his all-too-brief reign as art world star, Basquiat met film director Tamra Davis. A 1985 interview she shot with him is a rare look at Basquiat, capturing this effervescent, intelligent young man. It's also the centerpiece of her 2009 documentary, "Jean-Michel Basquiat: Radiant Child," showing at The Avon Theatre on October 20.
In the film Davis brings psychological insight to many unanswered questions that surround Basquiat, as do interviews with art world figures who knew him. The LA Times called the film, "A remarkably rich documentary possessing depth, range, insight and compassion." A panel discussion following the screening should add further insight. On it, three of Basquiat's inner circle and former collaborators will discuss the artist and field audience questions. The film begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. For more information, visit the Avon's website.
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