The Brant Foundation is doing the art world a great favor. They acquired the building pictured at right and launched an inaugural exhibit of the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat. For Free. Incredible. The building was constructed as a Con Edison Substation in the 1920’s. When decommissioned in the 1980’s it was utilized by artist Walter De Maria until his death in 2013. The Brant Foundation has since turned it into a first rate exhibition space. While I toured the exhibit I was as transfixed by the art as I was by the facility (having managed my fair share of iconic buildings). You should visit if you have the opportunity. The trick is getting the chance.

Tickets are free but presently all spoken for. There are wait list tickets available and the link to find them below. The manager of the facility (his name is Jesse, a former colleague of mine) is doing all he can to provide the chance for people to see the exhibit. First try this link:

https://brantfoundation.org/basquiat-tickets/

It was wonderful to see many groups of school kids experiencing the works of Basquiat close up and personally. The works on display are from the Brant Foundation and other collectors.

When ever I see Basquiat it makes me think that his ideas were flowing out faster than his hands could keep up. The images and words are dense and evocative. He died far too young from a heroin overdose. I highly recommend that you experience this collection of his works before it closes on May 12. You’ll be happy you do.

As always you can find more at http://www.walterthinnes.com and on Twitter @walterthinnes