Saturday, June 2 | 5:30 & 8 pm
Boom for Real explores the life and art of pre-fame Jean-Michel Basquiat, charting the origins of his singular vision and iconic style in the anarchic, DIY art scene of late-70s, early-80s downtown Manhattan. To tell this story, director Sara Driver worked closely and collaboratively with her friends and other artists who emerged from that scene: Nan Goldin, Jim Jarmusch, James Nares, Fab Five Freddy, Lee Quinones, Luc Sante and others. Weaving together a vibrant collage of period film footage, music, photographs, personal anecdotes, and never-before-seen works and writings by Basquiat, Driver conjures an affectionate, down-to-earth portrait of a charismatic and immensely creative young man who would go on to become one of the 20th century’s most important visual artists. At the same time, Boom for Real offers a fascinating snapshot of a close-knit artistic community and a struggling city on the brink of massive economic and cultural change.
Director Sara Driver | 2017 | In English | 78 minutes | NR | DCP
