His Suit of Many Colors

Comments (0) By Katey Margolis Thursday, Oct 28 2010

More About

The Magnolia at the Modern is an ongoing series at The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, featuring critically acclaimed films. Friday through Sunday welcomes the documentary, Jean-Michel Basquiat: Radiant Child about the late graffiti artist turned international art star and Warhol protege. Basquiat used his art to confront the world about various subjects, including race and class. His oft-imitated style was unique and what might be called naive or visionary, although it offered a glimpse of a world void of naivete. His work was a product of the streets, and he took to fame and fortune in interesting ways, like wearing Armani suits when he painted. Director Tamra Davis knew Basquiat, and she pays homage to her friend in this definitive documentary, but also delves into Basquiat as an iconoclast. His work emerged while minimalist, conceptual art was the fad and as a successful black artist, he was confronted by racism and misconceptions. Much is gleaned from interviews and archival footage, and it also includes Basquiat's own words, clearly showing who he was as an artist and a man. See Radiant Child 6 and 8 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday or noon, 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday. The Modern is located at 3200 Darnell St in Fort Worth. Call 817-738-9215 or visit themodern.org.
Fri., Oct. 29, 6 & 8 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 30, 5 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 31, 2 & 4 p.m., 2010