LE BOOK, the international reference for the creative industry, announces the release of its 2011 New York edition, curated by Tamra Davis (director of the recently released film tribute to BASQUIAT, THE RADIANT CHILD), art direction by Shepard Fairey’s STUDIO NUMBER ONE, and dressed by one of the most recognizable artists of the twentieth century, graffiti artist and neo-expressionist painter, JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT (1960 – 1988).

At an early age, BASQUIAT demonstrated an interest in art that was nurtured and encouraged by his parents. At the age of 16, BASQUIAT attended City-As-School where he met fellow artist Al Diaz. Together, they began collaborating and spray-painting the cryptic aphorisms signed SAMO©, based on a fictional character created by BASQUIAT, so recognized on subway trains and in lower Manhattan in the late seventies.

In December of 1981, the first major article on BASQUIAT, entitled “The Radiant Child,” was published. After that article, BASQUIAT quickly became a known-name, and tastemakers of the time collected and promoted his work. His art was featured in the group show Transavanguardia: Italia/America” along with Neo-Expressionists Sandro Chia, Francesco Clemente, Enzo Cucchi, David Deutsch, David Salle, and Julian Schnabel.

Always a collector’s item, LE BOOK New York 2011, showcases BASQUIAT’s vibrant vision as well as his life as an urban artist who was able to capture and expose the essence of the world around him all while sharing his particular perspective. LE BOOK is extremely pleased to play a part in preserving BASQUIAT’s legacy and to share his compelling and enduring works with an ever-growing audience.

For over 25 years, LE BOOK has defined itself as the go-to resource for the global creative community. With its New York, Paris, London, Berlin and West Coast editions, LE BOOK sources all needs related to image creation and branding while showcasing the world’s most inspirational talent.

The global LE BOOK brand extends beyond the printed editions to include an online creative search engine, the online magazine LA CREATIVE, and the creative industry’s international networking event, CONNECTIONS, the customized tradeshow for the professional creative industry. To learn more about the event insiders are calling the industry meeting point, please visit: www.LeBook.com/connections.

For the original report go to http://fashionista.com/2011/06/le-book-2011-honors-jean-michel-basquiat/