Polaroid has teamed with the estate of famed American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat and global licensing agency Artestar for a new Polaroid x Basquiat collaboration. Citing a “shared creative spirit,” Polaroid has unveiled Basquiat-themed gear, including a camera, film, and strap.
Jean-Michel Basquiat was born in New York City in 1960. He died in his home city in 1988 at the tragically young age of just 27. He rose to prominence as part of the “neo-expressionism” movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Known first for his graffiti work alongside friend and artistic partner Al Diaz, Basquiat’s drawings and paintings quickly garnered international attention. At just 21, he was the youngest artist to ever participate in the famous Documenta contemporary art show in Kassel, Germany. The following year, he was among the youngest to ever exhibit at New York’s Whitney Biennial.
These are tremendous accomplishments for any artist, but it is vital to understand that the 1980s was a very different time for Black Americans. Much of Basquiat’s work included social commentary on income inequality, segregation, and the impact of preexisting power structures on the Black experience.
Since his death, Basquiat’s work has continually increased in value. His paintings have sold for tens of millions of dollars, including a record-breaking sale of Untitled, 1982, which was auctioned for $110.5 million in 2017. It is one of the most expensive pieces of art ever sold.
Basquiat’s legacy is a lasting one, so it is no surprise that as part of its ongoing commitment to recognize the careers and works of artists who used Polaroid cameras, the camera company is collaborating with Basquiat’s estate.
The Polaroid x Basquiat collaboration follows in the footsteps of prior collaborations with iconic figures like the late American artist Keith Haring, who not coincidentally created a beautiful work of art to commemorate Basquiat in 1988, and famed musical artist David Bowie.
As for the Basquiat Edition camera, Polaroid has given its Now Camera Generation 2 a vibrant design based on Basquiat’s “Boy and Dog in a Jonnypump” oil painting.
“We aim to pay tribute to Basquiat’s influence, motivating us to embrace authenticity and spontaneity in our creativity. Andy Warhol and Maripol often photographed Basquiat on Polaroid film, capturing his essence, which in turn inspired Polaroid to curate this collection,” says Polaroid Chairman Oskar Smolokowski.
The Basquiat Collection also includes 10 frame designs for Polaroid Color i-Type Film. However, these instant films come in packs of eight, so customers who buy just one will assuredly not see all of the Basquiat-themed frames on offer. Rounding out the collection is a vibrant orange Polaroid Should Strap Basquiat Edition.
The Polaroid Now Camera Generation 2 Basquiat Edition retails for $129.99, while the new Color i-Type film packs are $19.99 each. The Basquiat-themed strap is $24.99. The entire Polaroid x Basquiat collection is available from authorized retailers beginning today, March 7.
Image credits: Polaroid, © Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Licensed by Artestar, New York. All Polaroid prints by Sabrina Santiago.