King for a Decade: Jean Michel Basquiat

by Taka Kawachi, Jean-Michel Basquiat

King for a Jean Michel Basquiat

Genres: Art

170 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1997

Reviews

[RK Byers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure if I get Basquiat's work or even like it - but I liked the book.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better books of Basquait's art. It's pretty much just his artwork and talking head quotes from those who were his friends or part of the eighties art scene. It's laid out chronologically, but don't expect much biography here. What you get is more of the mythologized art world hero/victim.

[R.Friend · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I ever bought on Basquiat--and so glad I did. (It's now out of print and going for 5x as much $$$ on eBay.) Extremely well-designed and engaging. Just one of my favorite books on one of my favorite artists.

[Gregory Broderick]

I want this book for Christmas

[Will McGrath · Rating 3 out of 5]

Art scene hagiography that (maybe unintentionally?) paints (seewhatIdidthere?) Basquiat as a shallow social climber.

But the art is kinda cool, so...? I would insert the 'shruggie emoticon' if I knew how to, which Basquiat would definitely have approved of, if he hadn't overdosed before its invention.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

KING FOR A DECADE is a combination of the art of Jean-Michael Basquiat together with interviews with people close to him, compiled by Taka Kawachi. Among those interviewed are colleagues in the noise band Gray, the musician and actor John Lurie, the writer and columnist Glenn O'Brien, and the gallery owners Mary Boone and Bruno Bischofberger. Some of the art highlights include the design for a record, and his "Odalisque". As an appendix Kawachi's essay on the issue of race in Basquiat's works is included.

Unfortunately, this is all presented in a manner that cannot claim to be a serious work of reference. There is no table of contents or index, and the page layout is difficult to read. The publishers apparently wanted the work to be a work of art in its own right. Still, there is art by Basquiat here, and so fans may wish to check it out.