The Radiant Child.

(Polaroid by Andy Warhol)

Genius Child

"This is a song for the genius child.

Sing it softly, for the song is wild.

Sing it softly as ever you can --

Lest the song get out of hand.

Nobody loves a genius child.

Can you love an eagle,

Tame or wild?

Can you love an eagle,

Wild or tame?

Can you love a monster

of frightening name?

Nobody loves a genius child.

Kill him -- and let his soul run wild. "

-Langston Hughes

This Langston Hughes poem begins and ends Tamara Davis' Documentary, Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child, which is comprised of never seen interview footage, painting footage, and images from this genius painter. I, just as many, never quite understood Basquiat's life or personality; but this intimate portrait of his life, told by lovers and close friends, breaks down the misconceptions that created his "primitive and strange" image. He was genius, reserved, intense, passionate, needy, sad, lost, beautiful, radiant. He became a millionaire overnight, overdosed at the age of 27 (like Janis, Jim, Jimi, and Kurt), and left behind 1,000 paintings and 1,000 drawings. If you are interested in Basquiat you must see this film. If you are interested in art you must see this film. If you are interested in the history of New York City you must see this film. At the Film Forum till August 3rd!

Fuck Don Pablo Pedro.

The freakiness that is Fuck Don Pablo Pedro opens Saturday July 31st @ Pandemic Gallery (37 Broadway) in Williamsburg. 7-11pm

Anna Dello Russo.

Amazingness. Thank you Sartoralist for this one.

Radical Invention.

You know that feeling when you see a painting you've loved forever, not in a book, online, or in the form of a postcard, but in real life? This happened yesterday at the Museum of Modern Art
where they are housing Matisse's work from 1913-17. Above is my favorite, The Piano Lesson, painted in 1916 and standing very large at 9x12. These pieces are among his most experimental, abstract, and for me, most unique: details are left behind, and questions fill their void. Check it out through October 11th.

Fatty Crab.

My taste buds did a little jig during lunch today. The flavors were complex and luscious, but never too much. Try the watermelon pickle and and crispy pork salad for a perfect marriage of sweet and salty, the Nasi Lemak platter of beautifully spiced chicken curry and pickled vegetables, and the turmeric tempura soft shell crabs with a intense green chili crab fat curry. All at Fatty Crab, NYC.

American Jesus.

The always controversial, always pop-culture infused, David LaChappelle, is showing his most recent work, American Jesus, at the Paul Kasmin Gallery (293 Tenth Avenue) till September 18th.

GYPSY WARRIOR.

One of my most fashionable (and magical) friends, Nicla, just started an ebay website that sells her vintage finds, and even styles them for your viewing pleasure. She truly has a knack for finding beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces. Please check out Nicla and Michel's Gypsy Warrior Vintage site for clothing as well as accessories and tons of fun jewelry.

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Also check out Michel's Heroine Clothing site for tattoo, art, and music inspired pieces.