The iconic building at 57 Great Jones Street in New York City’s Greenwich Village has a rich history, having been home to renowned artists Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Now, Academy Award-winning actress Angelina Jolie has signed an eight-year lease for the space, intending to transform it into the headquarters of her new fashion venture, Atelier Jolie. The move highlights Jolie’s passion for art and her commitment to supporting underrepresented tailors and artisans. This article explores Jolie’s plans for the space, its historical significance, and the influence of Basquiat’s artistic legacy.
The Historic Significance of 57 Great Jones Street
57 Great Jones Street holds a significant place in New York City’s history. Originally purchased by gangster Paul Kelly in 1904 as the headquarters for the Five Points Gang, the building later became a creative hub for influential artists. Notably, it housed both Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, two iconic figures of the 20th century art scene. Over the years, the building has seen various transformations, including the recent occupation of a Japanese restaurant called Bohemian. Now, Jolie’s lease ensures that the space will continue to be associated with artistic pursuits.
Angelina Jolie’s Vision for Atelier Jolie
Jolie’s new venture, Atelier Jolie, aims to support a network of underrepresented tailors and artisans. The collective’s focus is on utilising leftover, high-quality vintage materials and dead stock to create unique and sustainable fashion pieces. On the collective’s website, Jolie emphasises the importance of repairing and up-cycling existing clothing items, breathing new life into them rather than discarding them. This aligns with Basquiat’s own artistic practice, as he often incorporated discarded materials like cardboard, foam, and found windows into his artwork.
Basquiat’s Influence on the Building and Artistic Legacy
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s presence in the building from 1983 to 1988 has left an indelible mark on its history. Basquiat’s distinct artistic style captured the energy and chaos of 1980s New York City, blending images, text, and graffiti in his paintings. His innovative approach extended beyond traditional canvases, with him painting on various surfaces, including blankets, doors, and refrigerators. Basquiat’s artistic legacy endures, as his work continues to captivate art enthusiasts worldwide.
Preserving Basquiat’s Legacy
A plaque outside the building, installed by the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, recognises Basquiat’s time spent living and working there. The plaque also acknowledges the complex dynamics of his relationship with mentor Andy Warhol, who owned the former stable. Although Basquiat felt overshadowed by Warhol’s fame, their connection contributed to the artistic history of the building. In recent years, admirers of Basquiat have transformed the building’s exterior into a street art monument covered with graffiti, which Jolie has decided to preserve, recognising it as a memorial to the late artist.
Conclusion
Angelina Jolie’s decision to lease Jean-Michel Basquiat’s former studio at 57 Great Jones Street demonstrates her commitment to supporting underrepresented artisans through her fashion venture, Atelier Jolie. By repurposing high-quality vintage materials and embracing the principles of repair and up-cycling, Jolie aims to create sustainable and unique fashion pieces. The association with Basquiat’s legacy adds a profound artistic dimension to the space and highlights the ongoing influence of his work. By preserving the street art monument outside the building, Jolie pays homage to Basquiat’s enduring impact on the art world. As Jolie embarks on this new chapter, her venture at 57 Great Jones Street carries the potential to contribute to the vibrant artistic legacy of the building and its surrounding neighbourhood.
Contributor
