Basquiat & Cage: Late Night with NikNak

NikNak reunites Jean-Michel Basquiat and John Cage through the turntables with a DJ set that is reminiscent of an improvised conversation in this relaxed late-night event.

In 2024, Elaine Mitchener invited award-winning turntablist NikNak to respond to the idea of an imagined conversation between Jean-Michel Basquiat and John Cage. This meeting was set in Edinburgh’s Fruitmarket Gallery where Cage exhibited works on paper in the upstairs gallery, whilst downstairs, Basquiat displayed his visionary paintings. This historical event is reimaged as a cultural intervention that reshapes and reimagines future possibilities.

A trailblazing musical polymath, NikNak has carved a niche for herself in the music industry with her distinctive turntablism, immersive compositions, and captivating improvised performances. Heralded by the likes of DJ Mag, Clash, The Wire and Resident Advisor, her debut album Bashi garnered critical acclaim, positioning her as one to watch in the experimental electronic music scene.

Always, Already There is the first UK edition of George Lewis’s Afrodiasporic Incubator project. Curated by vocalist and composer Elaine Mitchener, in partnership with Guildhall School of Music & Drama. It explores the radical, varied and richly experimental work of Afrodiasporic composers, past and present.

Running time: approximately 30 minutes

Post-show talkFollowing this 30 minute DJ set, mingle and wind down with NikNak and the artists involved in the Always, Already There weekend.

Performers

NikNak DJ