I recently saw the ‘Boom for Real’ show at the Barbican, showcasing the work of Jean-Michel Basquiat, the pioneering prodigy of the 1980s downtown New York art scene. It. Is. Stunning. The first major retrospective of Basquiat’s work; featuring film, art, photography and rare pieces, this show captures the spirit of this self-taught artist, poet, DJ and musician who died, aged 27, in 1988. The show runs until end of January – you should go.
I’ve been trying to get better at booking things to go to, so next Thursday I’m off to the Gaultier show at The Barbican. I’ve heard really good things about this and I’m really looking forward to seeing the iconic conical bra and corsets Madonna wore during her 1990 Blonde Ambition World Tour.
I’ve also booked to go to ‘What’s the big idea?‘ in Brighton in September. There are 4 really strong speakers talking about their big ideas. I’m looking forward to hearing from Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion and former leader of the Green Party, Katy Beale, co-founder of London agency Caper, Coding for Kids and Culture Hack, Joan Farrer, director of the Design Research initiative at University of Brighton and Rosa Fox of Codebar Brighton. Should be good.
Also in September I’m visiting the London Transport Museum to hear David Bownes, Assistant Director of Collections at the National Army Museum give a talk on the uses of posters for propaganda during the First World War. I really love the design of propaganda materials, so it should be good. And you get free entry into the museum too.
Amazingly, these 3 events have cost a total of £24. Which is so cheap for top-quality entertainment, and helps me with my constant desire to do social things that don’t involve alcohol!