Par Excellence Unveils Monumental Tribute to Basquiat on Bowery

In a vibrant celebration of art and culture, Par Excellence has transformed the Bowery with a striking six-story mural dedicated to the iconic artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. This remarkable work, situated at the flagship location of Par Excellence at 344 Bowery, pays homage to Basquiat just steps away from his historical home and studio at 57 Great Jones Street. The mural, created by New Zealand-born artist Owen Dippie, vividly captures Basquiat’s essence and significance in the art world.

A Dream Realized

Owen Dippie first encountered the work of Basquiat during his youth, inspiring a deep admiration that led him to envision this very project since his initial visit to Great Jones Street in 2006. "I have always considered Great Jones Street sacred ground, as Jean-Michel both lived and passed away here," Dippie articulates. "Seeing him come back to this neighborhood feels beautiful; in my eyes, his spirit never left." This profound connection to the area made Dippie the ideal artist to undertake this project, which serves to bridge history with contemporary artistry.

Two Years in the Making

Creating such a monumental piece in a historic district required more than just artistic vision; it necessitated a rigorous two-year journey of planning and collaboration. Dippie presented his ambitious idea to Guillaume Bouchez, the CEO of Par Excellence, who immediately championed the cause. Under Bouchez's leadership, the initiative navigated the often complex approval processes from building management and the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). With Par Excellence's established commitment to supporting the New York creative scene, they played a crucial role in making this mural a reality.

As Bouchez states, "We are dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship and design, and contributing to New York's cultural landscape is an essential part of our identity. Our building sits at a historical crossroads, and offering our wall as a canvas reflects our desire to give back to the community and honor one of the city's artistic legends."

Art Meets History

The mural is inspired by a notable 1982 photograph by Gianfranco Gorgoni, taken when Basquiat was just 22 years old and beginning to gain prominence in the art scene. Dippie recalls growing up with a book featuring this image on its cover, making the project particularly personally significant.

Mastery in Technique

Dippie employs traditional realist techniques honed during his classical oil painting training in Kawerau, New Zealand. His vast experience includes previous large-scale murals worldwide, including notable pieces in New Zealand, Australia, Los Angeles, and New York. Dippie's artistry has garnered acclaim, such as the title of The Huffington Post's top mural for 2015 with Master Ninjas, alongside impactful works like The Art of Storytelling, which features cultural icons like The Notorious B.I.G. Dippie also shares a history with Basquiat through a collaboration with Al Diaz, co-creator of the famed SAMO project.

A Legacy Revived

Through this magnificent mural, Par Excellence and Owen Dippie not only celebrate all that Basquiat represented but also reignite interest in his work within the community. The mural stands as a beacon of creativity and remembrance, a testament to the indelible mark Basquiat left on New York’s artistic landscape. As the mural overlooks Jean-Michel Basquiat Way—named in honor of the artist by the New York City Council—it serves as a poignant reminder of his legacy and the power of art to inform and inspire.

In conclusion, Par Excellence's commitment to celebrating the past while nurturing the present and future of art exemplifies the true spirit of community engagement. With Owen Dippie's monumental tribute, New York is reminded yet again of the extraordinary life and work of Jean-Michel Basquiat.