Monday, March 21, 2016

Widow Basquiat: A Love Story by Jennifer Clement


New York City in the 1980s was a mesmerizing, wild place. A hotbed for hip hop, underground culture, and unmatched creative energy, it spawned some of the most significant art of the 20th century. It was where Jean-Michel Basquiat became an avant-garde street artist and painter, swiftly achieving worldwide fame. During the years before his death at the age of 27, he shared his life with his lover and muse, Suzanne Mallouk.

A runaway from an unhappy home in Canada, Suzanne first met Jean-Michel in a bar on the Lower East Side in 1980. Thus began a tumultuous and passionate relationship that deeply influenced one of the most exceptional artists of our time.

In emotionally resonant prose, award-winning author Jennifer Clement tells the story of the passion that swept Suzanne and Jean-Michel into a short-lived, unforgettable affair. A poetic interpretation like no other, Widow Basquiat is an expression of the unrelenting power of addiction, obsession and love.





First, I've done some research and taken a serious look at Basquiat's work, and honestly, I don't understand it.  Of course, I'm no art expert.  It just doesn't speak to me.  I'd rather look at a Bowie any day.  Now, I'm quite sure that Basquiat has a huge following or he wouldn't be so famous.  For those of you, this is a book you may want to pick up.

Supposedly, this book follows the relationship of Basquiat and Suzanne Mallouk.  For anyone who has any interest in Basquiat's love life, you could seriously enjoy this.  For me, it was a confusing mod podge of events.  We were forwards and backwards and sideways and under the tables.  If there was any sort of timeline, I certainly wasn't able to follow it.  I'm of the belief, though, that the book is formatted to match Basquiat's art style.  Since I don't comprehend it, I had little chance of really enjoying the book.

All of that being said, If you're reading this for the romance portion, this probably isn't the book for you.  If you're reading it in the hopes of becoming a Basquiat fan, this probably isn't the book for you.  If you know and love Basquiat, you'll definitely want this for your collection, whether you read it or not.  Those who are interested in the passionate and off-kilter world of some artists may really understand and enjoy the story.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  Shawn

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The old grey donkey, Eeyore stood by himself in a thistly corner of the Forest, his front feet well apart, his head on one side, and thought about things. Sometimes he thought sadly to himself, "Why?" and sometimes he thought, "Wherefore?" and sometimes he thought, "Inasmuch as which?" and sometimes he didn't quite know what he was thinking about.

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