SINGAPORE — Behind the Canvas Series 1: Jean-Michel Basquiat makes its global premiere in Singapore, offering an immersive journey into the creative legacy of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Presented by Covenant ART, this experience is part of the upcoming Singapore Art Week 2025, from now until March 06, 2025 at Marina Bay Sands, Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Hall D.
Spanning over 16,000 square feet and featuring 10 distinct immersive rooms, the three-month event combines rare archival materials, cutting-edge technology, and interactive installations to provide a transformative exploration of Basquiat’s personal life, career, art, and enduring influence on contemporary art. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to view 160 pages from Basquiat’s The Notebooks, including 12 rarely seen works from The Head-The Mind, and 25 exclusive licensed prints.
“We are deeply honored to collaborate with our esteemed partners – Larry Warsh’s House of Inspiration, along with AKG Ventures, SEA Pixel Investments, Meridian Alpha Family Office, Alpha-Omega Holdings, Yang Gallery, Fable and Elevate – in bringing Behind the Canvas Series 1: Jean-Michel Basquiat to life,” said Jude Robert, Co-founder of Covenant ART.
“This event celebrates Basquiat’s lasting impact on contemporary art while shining a spotlight on Singapore’s growing prominence as a cultural hub,” added Angelito Perez Tan, Jr., Co-founder of Covenant ART. “We hope this immersive experience will inspire a new generation of art lovers and creators by offering them a closer connection to Basquiat’s artistic brilliance and his influence on the art world.
Step into the World of Jean-Michel Basquiat
The Basquiat Handbook | The journey begins with The Basquiat Handbook, an engaging introduction to the artist’s life and legacy. This section traces Basquiat’s rise to prominence in the 1970s, exploring his evolution into one of contemporary art’s most iconic figures and key milestones that defined his career. |
Basquiat The Notebooks is a one-of-its-kind showcase featuring 160 meticulously framed pages from Basquiat’s Notebooks. Each page, rendered with ink, markers, paint, and oil stick, reveals the artist’s deepest thoughts and poetic reflections. Life-sized digital books in the next room allow visitors to virtually flip through the pages, offering an interactive opportunity to dive deeper into Basquiat’s imaginative exploration and the profound themes that shaped his work. | Basquiat The Notebooks |
Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Head – The Mind | The immersive experience will present some of Basquiat’s most prominent works, including 12 of his rarely seen works from Jean Michel Basquiat: The Head – The Mind, and 25 original licensed prints, specially curated and brought in from New York City, USA. These masterpieces encapsulate Basquiat’s raw, precognitive creativity, offering visitors a profound and personal connection to his art. |
The Basquiat Video Room, specially designed to take visitors deep into Basquiat’s mind, features multiple screens displaying compelling excerpts of the artist’s reflections on his art, life, and philosophy. At the heart of the experience is a wraparound screen presenting a vivid collage of Basquiat’s life – capturing moments with friends, bursts of creativity in his studio, and the vibrant streets of Downtown Manhattan. Powerful and evocative, the experience brings Basquiat’s life into sharp focus, celebrating his legacy and enduring influence on the art world.
The Den
True to Basquiat’s nature, Covenant ART has created participative installations such as The Den and the The Basquiat Expression Room, encouraging visitors to embrace self-expression through art. The Den transports visitors to the heart of Basquiat’s creative process, using digital panels to craft personalised self-portraits inspired by his signature style for keepsakes to take home. Meanwhile, the Basquiat Expression Room encourages budding artists to unleash their creativity with tools such as chalks, and crayons, offering a hands-on opportunity to channel Basquiat’s bold, free-spirited approach to art.
Drawing inspiration from Basquiat’s favourite hangouts, the experience unveils Crown and Canvas – a vibrant space where visitors can recharge, relax, and enjoy a curated selection of delectable cuisines available onsite. Inspired by iconic venues like the Palladium nightclub, The Downtown Lounge, and Studio 54, the space offers a peek into Basquiat’s vibrant social life, showcasing the places and influential figures that shaped his life. | Crown and Canvas |
A visit to Behind the Canvas Series 1: Jean-Michel Basquiat is complemented by the opportunity to explore exclusive merchandise. The event features a specially curated collection of limited-edition items, including art prints, trendy T-shirts, stylish caps, and more, allowing visitors to carry a piece of Basquiat’s iconic artwork into their daily lives.
Tickets for Behind the Canvas Series 1: Jean-Michel Basquiat are now available for purchase. Prices start at S$48 for Singapore residents (S$43 for seniors and students) and S$58 for non-residents (S$53 for concessions). The experience runs daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, with complimentary entry for children under six, making it a must-see for art enthusiasts of all ages.
For more ticketing and more information about Behind the Canvas Series 1: Jean-Michel Basquiat, visit https://www.sistic.com.sg/events/basquiat0325.
Ticket Prices
- Singapore Residents:
- Adults: $48
- Concession (Senior Citizens 65 and above, Student Pass): $43
- Non-Residents:
- Adults: S$58
- Concession (Senior Citizens 65 and above, Student Pass): $53
- Free Entry: Children under 6
Behind the Canvas Series 1: Jean-Michel Basquiat is open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. (Last admission at 7:00 pm.)