Artforum. Volume XX, No. 4. December 1981
New York: Artforum International Magazine, Inc., 1981. Quarto, publisher's stapled illustrated paper wraps.
"What is it that makes something look like art? I can’t answer that." December 1981 issue of Artforum magazine, featuring Rene Ricard’s landmark essay "The Radiant Child," credited with introducing Jean-Michel Basquiat to the art world. A poet, art critic, and downtown tastemaker, Ricard first discovered the post-pop artist’s work on the street, soon noticing his pieces in the homes of friends, leading to their first meeting. Ricard had recently published his career-launching encomium on Julian Schnabel, leading Basquiat to ask if he could be "put in the ring" with the painter and future filmmaker (to which Rene replied, "I’ll lace up your gloves.") The historic essay, along with Basquiat's inclusion in the 1981 exhibition "New York/New Wave" at MoMa PS1, launched the Haitian-American painter's career. Ricard and Basquiat remained close until the latter's death in 1988. (Ricard was portrayed by Michael Wincott in Schnabel's 1996 biopic Basquiat.) This issue also includes a selection from Nicholas Brown’s portrait series "The Brown Sisters," essays by art critic Peter Schjeldahl and curator Carol Squiers, and more. Illustrated with color and black-and-white photos, drawings, and reproductions. Fine. Scarce. Item #12097
$750.00