Basquiat's Life and Legacy Brought to Life in New Documentary "King Pleasure"

Jean-Michel Basquiat, the legendary artist, will be the focus of a new feature documentary, "King Pleasure," from the producers of "Val and Pepsi, Where's My Jet?" Boardwalk Pictures and Quinn Wilson. Wilson, who previously served as a creative director for Lizzo and worked with artists Dita Von Teese, King Princess, and Ziwe, will direct the documentary set to start production this summer.

The Basquiat estate has endorsed this project and given complete access to original artwork, archival materials, and personal items such as never-before-seen home videos, notebooks, and photographs. The documentary will incorporate animation and interviews, providing a holistic view of Basquiat's life and legacy.

In addition to "King Pleasure," another Basquiat project involving Stephan James, set to star and produce a scripted limited series about the artist in collaboration with Boat Rocker Studios, is currently in progress. This revived interest in Basquiat's work comes following controversy last year, after 25 apparent Basquiat paintings unveiled at the Orlando Museum of Art turned out to be counterfeit.

Basquiat, recognized for his untitled black skull painting selling at over $110M in 2017, started as a graffiti artist in New York City in the late '70s before becoming one of the youngest exhibitors at the Whitney Biennial in New York. He maintained a notable friendship with Andy Warhol before succumbing to a heroin overdose in 1988.

His sisters, Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux, and stepmother Nora Firtzpatrick, curates the artist's estate, spending years assembling an exhibition featuring his life and work. The family curated the "Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure" exhibition, showcasing over 200 of his works in both New York and Los Angeles.

Andrew Fried, Jordan Wynn, Dane Lillegard of Boardwalk Picture, along with Wilson and Ileen Gallagher, will be producing the documentary. The executive producers roster boasts names such as Jeanine Heriveaux, Lisane Basquiat, Anthony Konigbagbe, Katherine Oliver, Lindsay Firestone, James Cunningham, and Emi Stewart.

Now, onto the sizzle, where things get, as legend Mariah Carey would say, "festive."

First, anyone who can navigate from Lizzo to Basquiat has my immediate attention and admiration. Quinn Wilson, I tip my metaphorical hat to you. This industry needs more creative adventurers like you, who can jump genres and make the landing stick.

Combining animation with personal mementos and annotations is an inspired touch. It promises to illuminate not only the panorama of Basquiat's artistic universe but perhaps the corners as well. Crucially, regardless of how awe-inspiring his art is, it is equally crucial to remember that Basquiat was a man, not just an artist. His life had dimensions that extended beyond brush strokes and gallery walls.

This tribute also presents a shot of redemption for the Orlando Museum. Here's hoping they do a better background check this time. I wouldn't wish a fake Basquiat on anyone, let alone an unsuspecting museum.

While we're on the subject of redemption, I'm glad to see Stephan James is throwing his proverbial hat into the Basquiat ring. The artist's story is too electric, too compelling to be held within one narrative, within one medium. Good on James for diving into those deep, often turbulent, waters and let us wait to see what he brings back.

As Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux expressed, many false narratives surround Jean-Michel's life. Let's hope this documentary can set a strong precedent in truthful storytelling and open up the conversation about this extraordinary artist's life in a substantial way. After all, King Pleasure isn't just about celebrating a legendary artist; it's about rewriting his misunderstood narrative and reclaiming his story.

Remember folks, always double-check your art acquisitions, and never underestimate the power of a good story, truthfully told.