In December of 1984, Bruno Bischofberger extended an invitation to accomplished photographer Jeannette Montgomery Barron to photograph Jean-Michel Basquiat at his Great Jones Street Studio in New York City. This initial meeting was the first of two sessions. With minimal props consisting only of a birdcage, chair, and unfinished painting, Jeannette captured thirty-six images on three rolls of 120 film–using her signature black and white layering of light and shadow. 

Francesco Clemente has praised Jeanette’s ability to convey a broad range of emotions with minimal resources, stating “Jeanette Montgomery Barron is an elegant woman and an elegant photographer… The secret of her good luck is that she travels light.” Later, in the spring of 1985, Jeanette returned to The Factory to photograph both Basquiat and Andy Warhol, shooting another thirty-six frames during their notorious painting collaboration.

JMB, being published for the first time, brings together the entirety of the photo sessions from 1985 and 1985. The comprehensive collection includes six contact sheets and showcases twenty-four large-format images, as well as a previously unseen work of art by Basquiat. Through JMB, readers are provided an insightful commentary on Basquiat’s intriguing world during the height of his achievements. 

You can purchase a copy here.