CLEVELAND, Ohio – The monthly MIX celebrations at Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 Euclid Ave., have a way of bringing their exhibitions to life after dark.
Jean-Michel Basquiat, the late visionary at the center of the museum’s latest exhibit, “Basquiat: The Unknown Notebooks,” will be celebrated at February’s upcoming soiree. The party this Thursday, Feb. 9, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., will invoke elements of the work of the young artist — who died in New York in 1988 at the age of 27 — through music, dance, live art and poetry.
The exhibit, which marks the first major showing of Basquiat’s personal notebooks, will also be free and open to all attendees. “Notebooks” captures Basquiat’s poetry, wordplay, sketches and observation that would become blueprints to his work, and offers a window into the enigmatic artist’s creative mind.
Much like the “Notebooks” exhibit itself, words and art will come together in this month’s theme of “Expression,” which brings a fusion of poetry, live painting and music to the nightlife event.
Drink and dance has always been a highlight of MIX events, and this party is no different. Attendees can sip signature Basquiat-inspired cocktails, like a namesake concoction of whiskey, dry vermouth, cherry syrup and aromatic bitters. Breakdancers will perform in the atrium and DJ Forrest Getemgump will spin ’80s and ’90s hip-hop.
Share your voice during two open mic sessions hosted by poet D. L. Ware and Literary Cleveland at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., or visit galleries to hear from other local scribes. Ware’s words have recently been seen embedded in the bold murals of Love Lunes Over Buckeye.
Terry Urban, a Cleveland expat now based in New York City, will create live art throughout the event in his signature style influenced by graffiti. The artist, DJ and producer made a recent return to painting, which led to an exhibit of original works at Cleveland gallery Dead Logic in late November 2016. You can often catch him DJing the monthly old school hip-hop night at Cleveland’s Touch Supper Club, “I Got 5 On It.”
Attendees will also have a chance to make works of their own. Just as Basquiat filled his notebooks with inspiration from street life and pop culture, teaching artists will lead guests in creating notebooks of their own.
“The Unknown Notebooks” will be on display until April 23. The MIX event is free to members or $10 in advance and $15 day-of. Tickets can be purchased at 216-421-7350 or online.
Basquiat: the Unknown Notebooks at the Cleveland Museum of Art
ANOTHER WAY TO CELEBRATE BASQUIAT IN CLEVELAND
Did you know Cleveland has a record shop named after Basquiat’s quote, “Most young kings get their head cut off”? Young Kings, 2901 Detroit Ave, in Hingetown is a vinyl and tape lover’s dream, where you’ll find crates full of funk, jazz, hip-hop and R&B. Its walls are also filled with work by artists with Basquiat influence, like Chad Fedorovich.
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