In my art piece ‘ Give Pi Back!’ I aim to highlight the exploitation of Jean-Michel Basquiat's work in Tiffany & Co's "ABOUT LOVE" campaign. By using his painting "Equal Pi" as a mere prop for superstars Beyonce and Jay Z, the campaign reduces Basquiat's profound commentary on race and equality to nothing more than a flashy accessory.
Furthermore, the fact that Basquiat's work is being used in a commercial campaign for a luxury brand undermines the integrity and significance of his art. As an African American artist who struggled against prejudice and racism in the 1980s art world, it is deeply disturbing to see his work co-opted for capitalist gain.
It is important to remember and honour Basquiat as an incredible artist and important figure in art history, not just use his artwork as a trendy addition to sell jewelry. His talent and message deserve so much more than being reduced to a marketing ploy.
’Give Pi Back!’ depicts a robin egg’s blue bow in allusion to Tiffany and Co, this bow resembles an ant. The ant, featuring abstracted symbols from Basquiat's "Equal Pi", blows into a genie lamp which reveals the message "Give Pi."
Created December 2021
Photographed by Nicholas Boahene
