As someone who lives in a city with a very high population of Hatians (the largest in Canada), Jean Michel’s work and references to his work can be seen everywhere in the city, especially in Montreal-Nord and St. Michel. I was put on at an early age, as my dad took me to a gallery that was showing his work when I was younger in Brooklyn, and I always associate jazz music, especially Miles Davis’ work, with Basquiat and the vice-versa. Seeing this documentary (The Radiant Child) coming out at Sundance, I really wish I could attend so that I could see it. When I watch Light it Up, I always wonder if Ziggy’s character was based off of Jean-Michel. Both artists, both abused, both gone away from the world too soon, whether it be fictionally or in reality.
