I’m not an artist. I just played one in a movie.
5 Comments »
One of the people I met last night was the lead actor in one of my all time favorite movies: Basquiat. Basquiat eloquently tells the tragic tale of the up-and-coming artist Jean Michel Basquiat, who at a very young age, started as a graffiti artist in NYC, then with the mentorship of Andy Warhol, became a world famous name. Sadly, Basquiat could not overcome the world of drugs and died of an overdose in 1998. He was addicted to heroin and his life spiraled downward after Warhol’s death. I could watch that movie over and over again. The acting is phenomenal on all levels. Jeffrey Wright (Syriana), I learned is not only an accomplished actor, he grew up in this area, and is very close friends with Dana Volkert and Eric Goulder, which explains why he was at the private party.
(*Pictured: Jeffrey Wright and me in the Domingo Room celebrating his friend Dana Volkert’s art exhibit. He has a lot less hair than he did in Basquiat.)
Jeffrey was walking around with a cane, which I found to be odd. When asked why he had a cane, I think I heard something about a hip surgery or something of that nature. Am I getting cynical in my old age, or am I just now learning to take everything with a grain of salt versus at face value. I am thinking he is a method actor and needs to walk around with a cane for his next starring role. I bet we see him gracing the silver screen within months hobbling around with a cane. I could be wrong. He actually may have had hip surgery.
May 10th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
I LOVED Basquiat!!! I am also in love with your blog.
May 11th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
Thank you - love to hear the nice comments!
December 5th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
Just thought I’d let you know. Jean Michel Basquiat died in 1988, not 1998. I’m sure you knew that though. Basquiat was a wicked movie though. It and the art of Basquiat heavily influenced my decision to go to art school. I’m only 19 now so give me a year and with any luck I’ll be achieving the same ranks as Basquiat.
Anyway was just browsing for pictures when I stumbled upon your site. Thanks for the entertainment.
Arend
May 6th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
I totally agree with what you said about the cane! I saw him last week in Saston and he seemed fine! It was over a year ago since you saw him though so chances are that he’s fine now anyway. Basquiat’s art is great. Its like warm milk on my eyes! I hate drugs. Boo.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Very nice website, congratulations.
Patrick