Iconic neo-Expressionist Jean-Michel Basquiat—whose work is among the most expensive American art of all time—is remembered in an inspiring collection of gear by Lee denim company, a denim jeans brand that dates back to 1889.
Lee released a new collaboration on Feb. 6 that features the neo-Expressionist work of the late artist. Inspired by the street art scene of New York City, culminating in the early 1980s, the collection combines Basquiat’s creative vision, finding an inner child that’s often lost as we grow up. The Lee x Basquiat collection includes denim jeans, suiting pieces, sweaters, T-shirts and jackets.
Some of the denim pieces don a print of Basquiat’s “Phooey” painting, a piece with commentary about consumption, property and the human condition. Another piece features Basquiat’s self-portrait “Warrior,” which shows how Basquiat saw himself in the art world. Another piece features the color scheme and bold stripes from Basquiat’s “Pez Dispenser.” The prices for the clothing starts at $65, which means they’re not designed for elitist art collectors—just everyday people.
“Lee has always celebrated originality, and in our 100 years we’ve been part of American culture, especially the ‘80s around NYC,” said Brigid Stevens, global vice president of marketing for Lee. The Lee x Basquiat collaboration fuses art, style, and culture together to deliver pieces that are timeless and also unique—original icons made even more so with these iconic pieces of art.”
‘I start a picture and I finish it. I don’t think about art while I work. I try to think about life’ Jean-Michel BasquiatWarrior, 1982 pic.twitter.com/Y6uubLnZbL— esteban tara (@lespaul55_57) February 16, 2022
The Legendary Artist
In a matter of years, Basquiat went from being homeless and tagging SAMO (meaning same old shit, and it’s now copyrighted) to selling highbrow …
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Author: Benjamin M. Adams / High Times
