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Basquiat & Cage: Late Night with NikNak

Always, Already There

,Rehearsal Room 3, Milton Court
An image of NikNak who is illuminated with pink and blue lights while she looks pensive to the side

NikNak reunites Jean-Michel Basquiat and John Cage through the turntables with a DJ set that is reminiscent of an improvised conversation in this relaxed late-night event.

In 2024, Elaine Mitchener invited award-winning turntablist  NikNak to respond to the idea of an imagined conversation between Jean-Michel Basquiat and John Cage. This meeting was set in Edinburgh’s Fruitmarket Gallery where Cage exhibited works on paper in the upstairs gallery, whilst downstairs, Basquiat displayed his visionary paintings. This historical event is reimaged as a cultural intervention that reshapes and reimagines future possibilities. 

A trailblazing musical polymath, NikNak has carved a niche for herself in the music industry with her distinctive turntablism, immersive compositions, and captivating improvised performances. Heralded by the likes of DJ Mag, Clash, The Wire and Resident Advisor, her debut album Bashi garnered critical acclaim, positioning her as one to watch in the experimental electronic music scene.

Tagged with: Classical music Barbican Presents Young Barbican More...

Always, Already There is the first UK edition of George Lewis’s Afrodiasporic Incubator project. Curated by vocalist and composer Elaine Mitchener, in partnership with Guildhall School of Music & Drama. It explores the radical, varied and richly experimental work of Afrodiasporic composers, past and present. 

Running time: approximately 30 minutes

Post-show talk
Following this 30 minute DJ set, mingle and wind down with NikNak and the artists involved in the Always, Already There weekend.  

 

Produced by the Barbican in partnership with the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

Part of Always, Already There Weekender.

Always, Already There has received generous support from SHM Foundation, Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation and Trevor Fenwick & Jane Hindley. 

Barbican Classical Music Programme receives major support from Marcus Margulies and additional support In Memory of John Murray.

Performers

  • NikNak   DJ

Ticket prices

Standard
£21.50 (£20 + £1.50 transaction fee)

Rehearsal Room 3, Milton Court

Location
Milton Court is located within the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and is approximately a 5 minute walk from the Barbican entrance on Silk Street.

Address
Milton Court,
Silk St, London
EC2Y 9BH

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.