Basquiat's Unseen Life Unveiled in "King Pleasure" Doc by Lizzo's Ex-Director

EXCLUSIVE NEWS: Enigmatic artist Jean-Michel Basquiat will now be at the heart of an upcoming feature documentary, titled "King Pleasure". Boardwalk Pictures, the production entity behind "Val" and "Pepsi, Where’s My Jet?", will be teaming up with Quinn Wilson, Lizzo's former creative director, to bring this project to life. The Boardwalk Pictures crew, along with Wilson who carries a repertoire of working with talents such as Dita Von Teese, King Princess, and Ziwe, will kick-start the production this summer.

In an unusual step that will provide an unparalleled perspective into Basquiat's life, the artist’s estate has given complete access to his archival materials and original works of art. This trove includes previously unseen home movies, notebooks, photographs, animation, and interviews which would be incorporated into the documentary.

This isn't the first project focusing on Basquiat that's in progress. Young talent Stephan James is already on board to star and produce a scripted limited series about the artist in collaboration with Boat Rocker Studios. Basquiat's work, especially his untitled painting of a black skull against a backdrop of red and yellow hues, which fetched over $110M in 2017, has never ceased to fascinate art lovers.

Basquiat, who commenced his artistic journey with graffiti in New York, went on to become one of the youngest artists displayed at the prestigious Whitney Biennial in New York. His intriguing life from the graffiti-ridden streets of New York to his enduring friendship with Andy Warhol, and his eventual tragic death from a heroin overdose in 1988 has always been a subject of global interest.

His sisters, Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux, along with their stepmother, Nora Firtzpatrick, who manage the late artist's estate, have assiduously arranged an exhibition of his life and work, titled "Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure." The exhibition currently features over 200 pieces in both New York and Los Angeles.

Andrew Fried, Jordan Wynn, and Dane Lillegard from Boardwalk will be producing the documentary together with Quinn Wilson and Ileen Gallagher. The executive production team includes Jeanine Heriveaux, Lisane Basquiat, Anthony Konigbagbe, Katherine Oliver, Lindsay Firestone, James Cunningham, and Emi Stewart.

Now, let me add my penny's worth.

Please, can we just take a moment to appreciate the rarity of this docu-treat we're about to enjoy? The fact that the Basquiat estate has granted access to original works of art and thus unknown areas of the artist's life adds that piquant bite of exclusivity to "King Pleasure." It's like peeping through curtains that have remained drawn for years.

Quinn Wilson, once the creative machismo behind Lizzo's breathtaking imagery, is now taking the director's chair for this project. I'm personally intrigued to see how he weaves his magic around Basquiat's life journey. Here's crossing fingers that we get to see the same audacious creativity that Wilson brought to the music industry.

"King Pleasure" comes in the wake of other Basquiat-centred projects, and I'm betting my last dollar that it won't be the last. Basquiat's art, much like the legend himself, continues to captivate, bewilder, and push boundaries. Each narrative brings forward a new facet of the artist, making him an enigma that we tirelessly deconstruct yet never completely understand.

So here's to "King Pleasure", to the resurgence of Basquiat, and to the story that we hope will do justice to his enduring legacy. It's going to be a fascinating watch, and a fitting tribute to the artistic giant that was Jean-Michel Basquiat. Ladies and gentlemen, mark your calendars and brace yourselves for a dive into the tumultuous reality of this iconic artist. The stage is set, and the curtain will soon rise. Here's to "King Pleasure" and the world of Basquiat.