Too Young for What?

Basquiat opened new spaces for creativity by challenging social and artistic norms: drawing on the world of poetry, explore the social and cultural context of Basquiat from the downtown scene to his relevance to artists today who are carving out new spaces for creativity and development.

Hosted by Amina Jama, Barbican Young Poet       

Speaker One: Gemma Weekes

Gemma Weekes is critically-acclaimed author of Love Me (Chatto & Windus), performance poet, electronic musicmaker, singer/songwriter and performance artist. 

Speaker Two: Rachel Long

Rachel Long was awarded a Jerwood/Arvon mentorship for poetry in 2015. She is Assistant Tutor to Jacob Sam-La Rose on the Barbican Young Poets programme, and is the leader of Octavia - Poetry Collective for Women of Colour, housed at Southbank Centre. 
 

Basquiat found political truths in Greek myths with tales such as Pluto and Pegasus appearing across his body of work. Looking back at ancient Greek heroes, we explore the ways in which these tales have inspired the work of contemporary poets and how Basquiat drew on the richness of the ancient world to narrate society.

Hosted by Victoria Adukwei Bulley, Barbican Young Poet

Speaker One:    Dorothea Smartt

Dorothea Smartt is a poet, live artist, facilitator, and literary activist. Born and raised in London, of Barbadian heritage. Her second collection SHIP SHAPE, features on an A Level English syllabus. 

Can graffiti be poetic? Does the meaning of art change from the street to the gallery? From his street art to his notebooks, Basquiat’s poetic, enigmatic statements have resonated with and inspired a new generation of designers and artists to cross the boundary between the street and the gallery.

Hosted by Kareem Parkins Brown, Barbican Young Poet

Speaker One:    Chiizii

Chiizii is a visual artist and textile designer. 

Born and currently based in London, raised in New York with an eastern Nigerian Igbo background, her work reflects her surroundings and experiences. Throughout her work there is a special emphasis on culture, hers and the many she has a connection with. She uses her art as a means of social commentary, expression of thoughts and to learn about herself and others. Making sure to create work only through authenticity.

Speaker Two:     Karim Samuels

Born in Zimbabwe, Karim moved to London in 1999 and has always had an avid interest in art, expression and urban space. 16 years’ of experience in the urban art scene and a degree in Architecture have given Karim a unique perspective on the topics of urban space and expression. His expertise on the graffiti and street art scene is in high demand, conducting highly regarded workshops, interviews and tours for clients that include the BBC and Google.

How has Basquiat’s work impacted the lyrical scene? With artists such as Jay Z and Yasiin Bey, Madonna and Fall Out Boy making reference to the artist, explore how the fusion of visual art, text and music in Basquiat’s work has opened up possibilities for contemporary musicians.

Hosted by Kieron Rennie, Barbican Young Poet

Speaker One:      Gemma Weekes

Critically-acclaimed author Gemma Weekes will share her work Who Murked Basquiat inspired by the work, life and times of Basquiat and her own struggles with misogynoir

Speaker Two:     Joshua Idehen

Joshua Idehen is a poet, teacher and musician. A British born Nigerian, he is a member of electro/R&B band: Hugh, who's debut album Love, Hugh released this June. He recently collaborated with The Comet Is Coming on their debut album Channel The Spirits which was nominated for a Mercury Award.

Speaker Three: Bellatrix

Weaving in and around the action, poet and chronicler extraordinaire Keisha Thompson rounds up the day, reflecting on the debates and discussions with a brand-new performance piece for an imaginative and inspiring finale.

Keisha Thompson

Keisha Thompson is a Manchester based writer, performance artist and producer. She is currently working at Contact as the Young People’s Producer managing Contact Young Company. Most recently, she has received a co-commission from STUN and Contact to develop her new solo show, Man on the Moon.