The iconic art of Jean-Michel Basquiat is heading to the digital space.
On Dec. 3, rare images of Basquiat turned into non-fungible tokens (NFTs) will be auctioned in Miami, according to a press release. The “Our Friend, Jean” NFT Auction will take place on the Trillernfts.com marketplace — a first-of-its-kind company.
The NFTs are set to be released during Basquiat’s historic week-long exhibition — curated by The Bishop Gallery and hosted by Triller — at Art Basel from Nov. 29 through Dec. 4. The event will feature photos of Basquiat that were taken by co-curator Alexis Adler, the artist’s close friend and roommate.
Some of Basquiat’s earliest artwork will be highlighted during the digital curated experience. The artworks will be on loan from collectors who were friends of Basquiat including Adler, Al Diaz — Co-Creator of SAMO — Jane Diaz, Hilary Jaeger, Katie Taylor and Lucy Sante.
Their rare photographs collection aims to give the artist’s fans insight into more than just his career, but into his personal life. The collectors will also be sharing their remembrances and untold stories of their late friend throughout the week.
Along with the live discussions with Basquiat’s close friends, the immersive gallery experience will feature digital and physical auctions, celebrity guest speakers, live painting, surprise NFT drops, pop-ups, integrations, live musical performances, first-look opportunities, gallery exhibits (including artists such as Cory Van Lew, CryptoPunks, and Punk Me Tender), private walk-throughs and exclusive VIP events.
Following the exhibition, Triller and The Bishop Gallery will team up once again to take the experience to eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with their “Our Friend, Jean: HBCU Tour.” In early 2022, the tour will begin making stops across eight cities.
To register for a free invite to the “Our Friend, Jean exhibition, click here.
