In "The Promised Party" by Jennifer Clement, readers are taken on a captivating journey from the bohemian streets of Mexico City to the vibrant '80s art scene in New York. Living next to Frida Kahlo's house, Clement's childhood was a tapestry of artists, communists, and poets. The memoir dives into her immersion in the world of Basquiat, Haring, and iconic venues like The Mudd Club. A follow-up to "Widow Basquiat," this memoir encapsulates the spirit, ecstasy, and danger of '70s Mexico City and '80s New York, making it a compelling exploration of two influential cultural epochs.
Widow Basquiat
"A love story for the ages, Widow Basquiat is an unorthodox dissection of one of modern history's greatest artists, Jean-Michel Basquiat, as recounted by his muse, Suzanne Mallouk. Bound to tug at your heartstrings, this book paints a vivid portrait of the trials and tribulations of an artist like no other."
-Dua Lipa
“Stunningly lyrical . . . Original, insightful, and engrossing. . .. While filled with pop culture anecdotes art fans might seek—Andy Warhol and Rene Ricard both make appearances, for instance—Clement’s account is an honest love story above all else.”
-Publishers Weekly
“Sublime, poetic…[Clement] chronicles her close friend Suzanne Mallouk’s love affair with Basquiat in elegant, spare, riveting prose…A powerful female coming of age story…A harrowing, beautifully told love story about two seekers colliding in a pivotal moment in history, and setting everything, including themselves, on fire.”
-Rebecca Walker for NPR
"Magical…. Widow Basquiat conjures real characters, a real time and real place. It’s not theory – it’s representation. … The life of Basquiat … is a joyous lightning bolt when it is described in true detail, as it is in Clement’s extraordinary as-told-to poem."
-Glenn O’Brien, Artforum
"Provocative...With short, episodic chapters, Clement (Prayers for the Stolen, 2014, etc.) delivers real insight into the life of the brilliant artist as well as the glittering—but ultimately chaotic—world that consumed him...Disturbing and poetic."
-Kirkus
"A beautifully evocative, poetic memoir ... Basquiat was aware of the criteria with which posterity would judge him. Widow Basquiat should be part of those criteria."
-The Herald
"An engrossing narrative... Clement offers far more clues to the cryptic symbols which litter his [Basquiat’s] paintings than any art critic could."
-The Times
"A brilliant account of the relationship between Basquiat and his muse and lover ... a compelling book that leaves a giant sized lump in the throat ... Clement hypnotises us with a vivid portrait of Basquiat, powerfully evoking his inventiveness as an artist."
-Independent on Sunday
Jennifer Clement and Dr. Suzanne Mallouk, New York City, 1984
Jennifer Clement and Dr. Suzanne Mallouk, New York City, 1984
In Memory of Joan (Joan Burroughs) by Dr. Suzanne Mallouk, 1983
Self Portrait with Suzanne by Jean-Michel Basquiat 1982