Basquiat Soundtracks: the compelling exhibition soon at the Philharmonie de Paris

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s fans are expected in 2023 at the Philharmonie de Paris for a major exhibition making you listen to and look at the famous American painter’s universe. Called “Basquiat Soundtracks”, this exhibition is the first of this kind, devoted to the strong relationship between Jean-Michel Basquiat and music.

To see from April 6 to July 30, 2023, at the Philharmonie de Paris, the installation invites visitors to come and discover a rather little-known facet of the artist, who died in 1988, at only 27 years of age. Some may not know but before becoming a world-famous painter, Basquiat won fame in music, as the unofficial leader of Gray. At the time, the band shared the stage with DNA and The Lounge Lizards. Then, after new wave and no wave, hip-hop music takes over New-York. Jean-Michel Basquiat does not escape it and decides to give it all and produce a rap single called “Beat Bop” (1983) by Rammellzee.

More music styles have influenced Basquiat’s painting a lot, like jazz. His comprehension of the genre even deeply alters the composition of his paintings.

To understand the very tight ties between Basquiat’s artistic life and music, this exhibition will invite visitors to experience a genuine immersive dive into the places and sounds that made the career of the artist and fed his inspiration.

The “Basquiat Soundtracks” installation will gather about a hundred pieces completed by rare archives, iconic instruments and exclusive audiovisual documents. Meet very soon to book your tickets!

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At the same time as the “Basquiat Soundtracks” exhibition, from April 14 to 23, 2023, the Philharmonie de Paris will propose an exclusive musical program with American trumpetist Ambrose Akinmusire, willing to unveil a contemporary reading of Charlie Parker’s repertoire – aka Basquiat’s hero. You will also enjoy talented pianist Chassol who will translate painting into music for an exclusive show. The Philharmonie de Paris will also house the “Du Mali au Mississippi” night. Led by guitarist and singer Eric Bibb, a great international crew will take us in the footsteps of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s greatest musical influences, from griots in Western Africa to delta blues and Cajun zydeco.