Assouline’s $1,400 Basquiat Book Is a Collector’s Holy Grail

Summary

• Luxury book publisher Assouline just dropped Basquiat: The World of Jean-Michel, a special collector’s edition of work and words on the iconic late artist
• Spanning 348 pages, the book features 250 artworks and archival photographs, alongside contributions by George Condo, Valentino Garavani, Jeffrey Deitch, Keith Haring and more

Assouline just dropped a special collector’s edition on the unmatched cultural influence of Jean Michel Basquiat. The 348-pager, dubbed Basquiat: The World of Jean-Michel, packs 250 artworks and archival photographs of the iconic artist, exploring his legacy beyond the canvas and into contemporary conceptions of power, culture and identity.

In true Assouline fashion, the hefty hand-bound volume goes for $1,400 USD and is positioned more of an objets d’art than a simple reader. The book’s clamshell casing is itself a nod to Basquiat’s penchant for untraditional mediums and materials.

The release culminates a decade of research by Colour Themes, Philip Rebeiz and CJ Jones’ art advisory and dealership, spanning six thematic chapters. Moving between the monumental to the personal, the title traces everything from his iconic heads and deep ties to New York City, to his inventive use of silkscreens and multilayered surfaces.

His commentary on gender, race, spirituality and class are also brought to the forefront through the works themselves and contributions by contemporaries and those inspired by his legacy, including George Condo, Lenny Kravitz, Keith Haring, bell hooks, Jeffrey Deitch, Valentino Garavani and Bruno Bischofberger, the Swiss art dealer that represented Basquiat who passed just last weekend.

Basquiat: The World of Jean-Michel, the latest in Assouline’s Ultimate lineup, is now available for purchase via the publisher’s website.

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