Behind the Canvas Series 1: Jean-Michel Basquiat, celebrates the life and work of this iconic American artist. This global debut from the Behind the Canvas series showcase at Marina Bay Sands from December 16, 2024 through March 6, 2025.
The exhibition is presented by Covenant ART— a platform for art-led immersive concepts, in partnership with prominent New York collector and publisher Larry Warsh’s House of Inspiration, and with the support of associate partners AKG Ventures, SEA Pixel Investments, Meridian Alpha Family Office, Alpha-Omega Holdings and Yang Gallery.
Through his captivating sketches and illustrations and the use of innovative art, fashion, literature, and technology, offers a rare opportunity for the public to have a deeper understanding of the life and inspirations of Jean-Michel Basquiat. The interactive experience will give attendees an opportunity to delve into the artist’s private life, his younger days as a budding artist, and the thoughts that paved the way to make him one of the world’s most recognized artists.
The works of influential African-American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat are known to be heroism-led. Chaotic but embedded with meaning. Basquiat, a key artist with his neo-expressionism cryptic paintings, pushed the boundaries of contemporary art through the visual language of raw masks and graffitied texts and reflected the thought-provoking themes of identity, race and social dynamics.
Guests will experience an immersive investigation of Basquiat’s early years, sources of inspiration, and the turning points that shaped his career. Through multi-sensory experiences, rare archive materials, and interactive installations, the three-month experience promotes reflection and discussion about the subjects that Basquiat’s art reflects while deepening appreciation for his genius school of thought.
Exhibition Highlights
The Basquiat Handbook
Begin with The Basquiat Handbook, an engaging entry point into the artist’s life and enduring legacy. This section delves into Basquiat’s rise to fame in the 1970s, charting his evolution into one of contemporary art’s most iconic figures and highlighting the key milestones that shaped his career.
Basquiat The Notebooks
Stepping into Basquiat The Notebooks, visitors are greeted with 160 meticulously framed pages from the artist’s original Unknown Notebooks. Each page, brought to life with ink, markers, paint, and oil stick, offers a window into Basquiat’s inner world, revealing his deepest thoughts and poetic reflections.
Here, life-sized digital books allow visitors to virtually flip through the pages, providing an interactive experience that delves deeper into Basquiat’s imaginative process and the powerful themes that defined his work.
Jean Michel Basquiat: The Head – The Mind
For the first time, visitors can witness 12 never-before-seen pieces from The Head – The Mind, alongside 25 original licensed prints brought directly from New York City. These carefully selected works offer a deeply personal connection to Basquiat’s raw and visionary creativity.
The Den
Covenant ART has also curated interactive installations like The Den and The Basquiat Expression Room, inviting visitors to explore self-expression through art. The Den allows visitors to craft personalized self-portraits inspired by Basquiat’s iconic style through digital panels—perfect for keepsakes to take home.
Meanwhile, the Basquiat Expression Room offers budding artists the chance to unleash their creativity with tools like chalks, crayons, and digital art, providing a hands-on opportunity to channel Basquiat’s bold, free-spirited approach to art.
Crown and Canvas
Drawing inspiration from Basquiat’s favorite hangouts, Crown and Canvas serves as a vibrant space where visitors can recharge, relax, and savor a curated selection of delectable cuisines.
Drawing influence from iconic venues like the Palladium nightclub, The Downtown Lounge, and Studio 54, this space provides a glimpse into Basquiat’s dynamic social life, highlighting the places and influential figures that played a pivotal role in shaping his world.
The experience culminates with an exclusive merchandise collection, offering a stylish way to connect with Basquiat’s genius. Discover limited-edition art prints, bold graphic tees, statement caps, and other coveted collectibles—a chance to bring a piece of art history into your everyday life.
Tickets are priced from S$43 for Singapore residents with concessions to S$58 for a non-local standard adult. Children aged 6 and below enjoy free entry. Purchase of tickets will be through SISITC.
Behind the Canvas Series 1: Jean-Michel Basquiat happens from 16 December 2024 to 6 March 2025 at Marina Bay Sands Convention Hall D.
Opening hours: 10am to 8pm daily (Last admission 7pm); Basquiat Lounge: Friday and Saturday only 9.30pm to 1am.
Contact Us
+65 83891888 / info@yanggallery.com.sg
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