I love ART.

I miss going to the MET. I can’t tell the last time I went into NYC just to walk around and look in awe at all the amazing art work. I am overdue for a visit. I must note: viewing artwork is therapeutic. I believe art allows one to escape the ugly parts of our reality and believe in the greater good of humanity. Art also holds a mirror up to ourselves portraying the good, bad and the ugly. One of my favorite artist is Jean-Michel Basquiat. I am not too sure what part of his work I love the most. I think its the artwork itself, the way he entered the world of fine art, his legacy and to some degree the way in which he lived, which I believe was FREE.

Basquiat’s work is layered with symbolism that connects the experience of American people of color with that of the Africa. His work speaks volumes of the nuanced identity of black Americans within a white patriarchal framework. Although talented, Basquiat’s work was cut short due to his addiction to drugs. However, his legacy lives on through his work. I am also in awe of his connection to hip-hop as it relates to how he began his work with street art.

Like Basquiat, Frida Khalo has captured my attention for years. Her work and her personal story is one of love, lust, romance and again: FREEDOM of one’s mind. Frida, unfortunately was involved in a horrific bus accident that left her with physical ailments for the rest of her life. This situation did not stop her from exploring and expressing herself artistically. Her subject matter (aside from herself) involves the cultural, mystical and historical context of Mexican history.

Both Basquiat and Khalo died at a relatively young age and I wonder what more they would have created if they had more time.

Both artists has changed the landscape of the art world and how we view art. Khalo’s work is complex and layered. Along with her work, like Basquiat, her personal life was complex as well. She was married to famed artist, Diego Rivera.

Their relationship was one that sometimes-involved other people, including her own sister.

The work of both artists will leave me in awe for the rest of my life. I find their work enchanting and I always discover something new when I look at their work.

Do you have a favorite artist or genre of art? Please share. Blessings.