The Coolest Photo Ever Taken
Basquiat with Fisher PH-480K boombox at Mr. Chow, 1986.
Here I will make a case for why this photo of Jean-Michelle Basquiat at Mr. Chow restaurant in 1986 with a Fisher PH-480K boombox may be the coolest ever taken.
This photo is a time capsule to a moment that is rich in cultural resonance and historical significance. An artist at the height of his powers at a restaurant that is the epicenter of the New York City celebrity scene. The photo captures a star in his prime, providing context to his life and times. Let’s examine its credentials for coolness a bit further:
Cultural Icon: Basquiat was a defining artist of his generation. His rise from a graffiti artist in the streets of New York to an internationally acclaimed artist speaks volumes about the vibrancy of the 1980s art scene, and his presence in this image encapsulates that transformative era.
The Boombox: A badass emblem of the 1980s. It symbolizes the intersection of music, urban culture, and the rise of hip-hop. Basquiat's association with the boombox ties him to the broader cultural movements of the time, reflecting the symbiosis between his artwork and the street culture from which it drew.
Mr. Chow: As a hot spot for celebrities, artists, and cultural luminaries, Mr. Chow's was where the elite of the 1980s art and cultural scene would gather. Basquiat sitting there, amidst what can be imagined as a buzzing environment of influencers before the term was popularized, is a snapshot of a cultural epicenter. The coolest place in the coolest city in the world.
Fashion Statement: Basquiat’s attire, with his coolly unkempt hair and a sharp blue Armani suit, speaks to his unique style - marrying the raw edge of street art with the sophistication of the gallery elite. This contrast exemplifies his role as a bridge between contrasting worlds, traversing between the two but also sticking out in each.
Attitude and Poise: Basquiat's posture and the expression on his face convey a sense of cool confidence that is emblematic of his persona. He was an artist who didn't conform to the traditional boundaries of the art world, and this picture captures his nonchalant, rebellious spirit.
Artistic Aura: Knowing Basquiat's impact on the art world, with a recent painting selling for $110.5M, any photo of him carries the aura of his creative genius. This particular setting — casual yet charged with an undercurrent of the artistic and social unrest — serves to amplify that aura.
Simplicity vs. Complexity: The simplicity of this image – a man and his boombox – belies the complex cultural significance it holds. It invites viewers to reflect on the person, the period, and the place, all of which contribute to the photo's cool factor. Imagine walking into the hottest restaurant in the world today and putting a giant boombox on the table.
So, if you are a brand that’s seeking coolness, there is a lot to be learned from Jean-Michelle. Be iconic. Be loud. Be influential. Be seen in the right places. Make a statement. Cast an aura. Express some tension. Case closed.
