Great Lives

Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Life Stories

Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.

BBC Radio 4 FM

Great Lives: David Jonsson on Jean Michel Basquiat

David Jonsson on Jean Michel Basquiat

BBC Radio 4 - Great Lives, David Jonsson on Jean Michel Basquiat

Actor David Jonsson champions artist Jean-Michel Basquiat

Ground breaking American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat is championed by actor David Jonsson, best known for roles in Deep State and Industry.

Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat rose to fame in the 1980's Lower East Side New York arts scene. 

Andy Warhol was his friend and collaborator, Madonna a one time girlfriend and David Bowie a huge admirer. But beyond this club scene personality raged a prolific artist, writer and musician. During his short career Basquiat created no less than 1000 drawings, 700 paintings and many sculpture and mixed media works. In 2017 he became one of a handful of artists whose work broke the $100 million mark. His life challenged the boundaries of ‘blackness’ but also the boundaries of American art.

He is championed by actor David Jonsson best known for his work on 'Deep State' and 'Industry'. He has described Basquiat's life as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale. He is joined by Jordana Moore Saggese, Associate Professor of American Art at the University of Maryland College Park and author of two scholarly books on Jean-Michel Basquiat. These include The Jean-Michel Basquiat Reader: Writings, Interviews and Critical Responses.

Presented by Matthew Parris
Produced by Nicola Humphries for BBC Bristol

Featuring excerpts from Radio 4's 'I Was...Basquiat's Partner in Noise' presented by Andrew McGibbon and available on BBC Sounds.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Great Lives

David Jonsson on Jean Michel Basquiat

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4