heatwave
Revisiting “Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump,” Basquiat threw it onto the canvas in 1982, the year he set everything ablaze. He spoke about it while sipping bourbon with The New York Times in 1985, saying, “I had some cash, I threw my damn best canvases.”
This canvas, vast as a barrel’s mouth, nearly 14 feet wide, 8 feet tall, spews out a skeletal black kid and a dog, painted in unison in a damn style. They squat amidst the chaos, under the rain of a fire hydrant gushing water at full blast. A “johnny pump” is New York street slang for a fire hydrant opened in the summer, where kids cool off by playing in the water.
Its colors are hot as a pavement in full heat, suggesting a scorching summer landscape. It’s Basquiat at his peak, setting his damn creativity on fire.
dojo cat : “paint the town in red”
DOJO CAT
Doja Cat, whose real name is Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, was born on October 21, 1995, in Los Angeles, California. She is an American singer, rapper, and producer, known for her musical versatility and distinctive visual aesthetic. She began releasing her music on SoundCloud as a teenager, quickly gaining attention for her unique style that blends hip-hop, pop, R&B, and electronic music.
Doja Cat released her debut album, Amala, in 2018, but it was her second album, Hot Pink (2019), that catapulted her to the top of the charts with hit singles like “Say So” and “Juicy.” “Say So” went viral on TikTok, contributing to her global popularity and earning her several nominations and awards.
Her third album, Planet Her (2021), solidified her status as an international star with hits like “Kiss Me More,” featuring SZA, and “Need to Know.” Doja Cat is known for her energetic performances, innovative music videos, and eclectic style that incorporates both futuristic and retro elements.
In addition to her music career, Doja Cat has made appearances in various media and collaborated with numerous renowned artists. Her ability to evolve and surprise her audience while staying true to her own style makes her an essential figure in the contemporary music scene.