The legendary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat is set to be the focus of an upcoming feature documentary titled ‘King Pleasure.’ The project will be produced by Val and Pepsi, known for their work on ‘Where’s My Jet?’, along with Boardwalk Pictures and Quinn Wilson, the former creative director for Lizzo. The documentary, which starts production this summer, has received full support from Basquiat’s estate, granting access to a treasure trove of archival material and original works of art, including never-before-seen home movies, notebooks, photographs, animations, and interviews.
Quinn Wilson, renowned for her work with artists like Dita Von Teese, King Princess, and Ziwe, will take the directorial helm of ‘King Pleasure.’ The film will delve into the life and artistry of Jean-Michel Basquiat, exploring the enigmatic artist’s journey from the graffiti scene in 1970s New York to becoming one of the youngest artists ever to exhibit at the Whitney Biennial. Basquiat’s remarkable friendship with Andy Warhol and his untimely death from a heroin overdose in 1988 will also be central to the documentary’s narrative.
Basquiat’s sisters, Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux, who manage the estate alongside their stepmother Nora Firtzpatrick, have devoted years to curating an exhibition that celebrates their brother’s life and work. They recently organized the ‘Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure’ exhibition, showcasing over 200 of his pieces in both New York and Los Angeles. Their intimate understanding of Basquiat, coupled with the estate’s full support, provides a unique opportunity to bring forth an intimate and emotional portrait of the artist.
Jordan Wynn, President of Boardwalk Studios, expressed his admiration for Basquiat’s electric artistry, which continues to captivate and inspire people from diverse backgrounds. The team at Boardwalk Studios is grateful for the unparalleled access to Basquiat’s materials, which will enable them to craft a compelling documentary. The film will also feature contributions from executive producers such as Jeanine Heriveaux, Lisane Basquiat, Anthony Konigbagbe, Katherine Oliver, Lindsay Firestone, James Cunningham, and Emi Stewart.
Quinn Wilson, the director of the documentary, spoke about her deep understanding of Jean-Michel Basquiat through the stories shared by his sisters and stepmother. Her vision for the documentary aims to shatter the conventional understanding of the iconic artist by revealing previously unseen artwork, thoughts, and memorabilia. Wilson’s desire is to portray Basquiat not just as an artist but as a man, uncovering an authentic and multidimensional history.
Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux, in appreciation of the false depictions and narratives that have surrounded their brother’s life, look forward to reclaiming the legacy of the Jean-Michel they knew and loved. They expressed confidence in the Boardwalk team and Quinn Wilson’s talent to present a beautiful, intimate, and powerful documentary that redefines Basquiat’s story, capturing his essence as an artist and a human being.
‘King Pleasure’ promises to be a compelling tribute to Jean-Michel Basquiat, an artist whose impact transcends generations, and it is eagerly anticipated by art enthusiasts and documentary aficionados alike. The film will offer a fresh perspective on this iconic figure, unveiling new layers of meaning to his art and legacy, ensuring that his creative genius continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
