OPENING NIGHT FILM
JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT: THE RADIANT CHILD

Friday/September 24 • Academy Art Museum
ACADEMY ART MUSEUM, AVALON, TIDEWATER
Tickets: $75 • Screening & Q&A Only: $25

This screening will be preceded by a viewing of original Basquiat drawings
at the Academy Art Museum beginning at 5:30 PM.
After a 6:30 pm screening at the Avalon and Q&A with the director,
a Tidewater Inn reception featuring music inspired by the classic Bebop and ‘80s pop mix of the film will be held.

U.S.A. - 2009 - 88 minutes
Grand Jury Prize Nominee 2010 Sundance Film Festival
Sponsored by Ruth & Donald Saff
Director: Tamra Davis • Host: Tamra Davis

Original Artwork Academy Art Museum 5:30pm: Guests will enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres while viewing original Basquiat artwork and hearing a brief presentation by Academy Art Museum curator Brian Young about the importance of Basquiat’s work.

“Though Basquiat, the renowned graffiti artist, did not live to see 30, he is one of the very few artists in his generation to have nearly universal acclaim from prominent museums, influential dealers, white audiences, African-American audiences and his fellow artists including Keith Haring, Andy Warhol and others.” ~ Academy Art Museum Curator, Brian Young

“All of us at the Academy Art Museum are excited by our collaboration with the Chesapeake Film Festival. It is evident from the high quality of the programs that we share a mission to enrich the cultural life of all the people of the Eastern Shore.” ~ Academy Art Museum Director, Erik Neil

Synopsis: Centered on a rare interview that director and friend Tamra Davis shot with Jean-Michel Basquiat over twenty years ago, this definitive documentary chronicles the meteoric rise and fall of the young black artist. In the crime-ridden NYC of the 1970s, he covers the city with the graffiti tag SAMO. In 1981 he puts paint on canvas for the first time, and by 1983 he is an artist with “rock star status” dating Madonna and hanging out with some of the most influential artists, musicians and personalities of the day. Though constantly confronted by the subtle racism of the white art world of the day, he achieves critical and commercial success. In 1985 he and Andy Warhol become close friends and painting collaborators, but they part ways, and shortly after Warhol dies suddenly, Basquiat’s world begins to spin out of control.

With compassion and psychological insight, director Tamra Davis details the mysteries that surround this charismatic young man, an artist of enormous talent whose fortunes mirrored the roller coaster quality of the downtown scene he seemed to embody. Featuring candid interviews with the famous and not-so-famous who knew the artist best.

“This touching documentary has the exciting, gritty feel of the New York art scene of the late seventies and early eighties … (with) fascinating archival footage of the art world at large as well as of the artist at work.” Bruce Diones, The New Yorker

“A moving journey through the vibrant, edgy art and rock scene of New York in the 80s. A great way to learn about art while listening to a killer soundtrack. It is also an Icarus-like fable about fame, race and the carnivorous art world that will eat its own.” Tom McCall, CFF Programming Director

Biography: Tamra Davis began her career directing music videos for acts like Tone Loc, Depeche Mode, NWA, and Sonic Youth, and made her first feature Guncrazy starring Drew Barrymore, in 1992. She then went on to direct feature films starring Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Dave Chappelle, and Britney Spears. Tamra Davis, the film’s director and a personal friend of Jean Michel Basquiat, will be on hand for the festivities.

Internationally Recognized Deejay to Spin at Reception Following the Film: Immediately following the film, guests will mingle with CFF 2010 filmmakers and special guests at a festive, ‘80s themed reception and dance party at the Tidewater Inn. Acclaimed deejay Lee Mayjahs? will be there to delight guests with music inspired by the films unique mix of ‘80s tunes, Bebop and classic jazz. An Easton native, Mayjahs (aka Liam Larkin) has played for enthralled crowds at events from Burning Man to Berlin.

OPENING NIGHT ALL EVENTS $78.00 FILM ONLY $26.00

CAMBRIDGE GALLERY 447 Screening $11.00 Student $9.00 Senior $9.00

*Please note that Gallery 447 is not wheelchair-accessible, nor is it accessible for people with limited mobility.