King Pleasure is a new showcase featuring 200 unseen archival pieces by Jean Michel Basquiat.
Jean Michel Basquiat is arguably one of the most renowned artists in history. Prior to his death at 27, Basquiat became known for leading the forefront of the Neo-expressionism movement. Basquiat’s work lives on in museums such as MoMA and the Guggenheim.
But now, Basquiat’s family is taking his work and curating it at an authentic level. King Pleasure is a new exhibition that showcases many unseen paintings, drawings, and artifacts by the artist. His sisters, Jeanine Heriveaux and Lisane Basquiat, developed the experience not only about his work but to be about his life.
Praise for the exhibition has already been featured in the New York Times, Vogue, and the TODAY show.
On Thursday, media company VICE sponsored an after-party to commemorate the opening of the King Pleasure Emporium on Friday at Mr. Chow in Tribeca. The Basquiat family were all in attendance including his stepmother Nora Fitzpatrick.
Many celebrities and influencers made an appearance as well. Singer-songwriter King Princess was spotted wearing Thom Browne at the event. The musician recently announced a tour that will be taking place across the U.S. this Summer. Music legend Erykah Badu also surprised guests at the event. VICE executives Jesse Angelo, Bruce Dixon, and Kate Ward were present as well.
A special opening ceremony was held on Wednesday where guests got a first look at the emporium. King Pleasure features recreations of Basquiat’s artist studio on Great Jones St. and the Michael Todd VIP Room of NYC’s iconic Palladium nightclub for which he created two paintings. The exhibit was designed by Sir David Adjaye, who is known for his work with the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
King Pleasure is located on the 26th St side of the Starrett-Lehigh Building, and tickets are available now.
