Exhibition Press Release (PDF 334kb)

Opening on Monday, October 3rd through December 4th 2022 at Six (6) HBCU Locations. The Bishop Gallery has partnered with Group Black, the largest collective of Black-owned media to bring the Our Friend Jean Exhibition to Hampton University, Howard University, Clark Atlanta University, Tennessee State University, Dillard University, and Texas Southern University. This tour will be accompanied by gallery programming such as private tours, talks with curators and collectors, as well special immersive experiences designed for students at each school.

“Our Friend Jean” was first exhibited by The Bishop Gallery in 2019 in the artist’s hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y. In conjunction with collector Alexis Adler, Founders & Curators Erwin John and Stevenson Dunn, Jr. developed this exhibition and tour in their continued mission to make the arts more accessible. This tour will allow the world to see Basquiat, personally and intimately like never before. During the week-long art exhibition of the legendary Neo-expressionist artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, students, faculty, staff, and local community members will have FREE access to the exhibition.

The exhibition will highlight some of the earliest artworks created by America’s Most Influential Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. His record-breaking sales continue to fascinate the world – and remain influential in the cultural sphere.

These artworks will be on loan from collectors who knew Jean-Michel as friends, including Alexis Adler, Basquiat’s friend, roommate and Al Diaz, Co-Creator of SAMO©. Their rare photographs collection shines a light on Basquiat’s personal life like never before. They will be sharing their remembrances and untold stories about their friendship with Basquiat throughout the week at each location.

During the immersive gallery experience, Our Friend Jean, there will be live discussions with Basquiat’s close friends and people who knew him personally. A total of 20 plus works will be displayed, including drawings, writings, apparel, and mixed media collages. The group of collectors consists of Jane Diaz, Hilary Jaeger, Katie Taylor, Lucy Sante, and photographer Alexis Adler who also served as co-curator. Through these works, each collector will be sharing uniquely intimate stories of their friend, Jean.

With the support of sponsors Hennessey and the Thurgood Marshall Foundation, starting Monday, October 3rd , 2022, the “Our Friend Jean” HBCU Tour will begin at Hampton University. Hennessey and Thurgood Marshall will also host an exclusive experience celebrating Black Excellence and the legacy of Jean-Michel Basquiat in each tour city.