JGC Fine Art

Janis Gardner Cecil, President

Janis Gardner Cecil, President, JGC Fine Art, LLC,  New York, is an art advisor, curator, and art historian with over 25 years of experience as a gallerist and dealer in the primary and secondary art markets.  Cecil's relationships with private collectors, corporations, and institutions draw upon her in-depth knowledge and experience with international modern, postwar, and contemporary art. 

Acknowledgements

Janis Gardner Cecil, JGC Fine Art LLC, would like to thank first and foremost  Jean-Michel Basquiat. The passionate and brilliant body of work that he created is an inspiration.

Sincere thanks are owed to Randy Gun for the opportunity to create the online exhibition, A Gift from Basquiat: Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails, 1986.   With you as a guide, this has been an exciting opportunity to explore an important era in the cultural history of downtown New York and in the history of art in America.   Thank you for your honesty, bravery and generosity of spirit.  Sharing your personal history with Jean-Michel Basquiat was not easy, but in doing so you have illuminated a new facet of his life, as well as your own.  Thank you.  Rock on! 

Thanks must be given to David Ebony, a friend and colleague of almost two decades, who connected me with Randy Gun.  His interview with Gun and our subsequent discussions were serious, meaningful, and often hilarious.   Zooming with you two gave me new hope amidst the pandemic.  Thank you, David, for your keen editorial eye, refined taste, and insight. 

Bobby Grossman’s dynamic photography beautifully captures the spirit of the 1970s and ‘80s in New York, be it Jean-Michel Basquiat’s portraits, photographs of Gun, or the antics on set at Glenn O’Brien’s TV Party.   Thank you, Bobby, for sharing your stories and your incredible work with our audience and the world. 

Special thanks are owed to Kevin Bray, a close friend of Jean-Michel Basquiat, who generously shared personal moments in his history with the artist.  Listening to you speak about Basquiat was magical.  Your insight into your mutual Great Jones Cafe experience adds significant detail to our understanding of The Jones.  I cannot wait to learn more about that Hitchcock film.  Thank you. 

Thank you, Gina Nanni, for so kindly sharing your knowledge of Glenn O’Brien’s TV Party and details of the era.  Thank you also for giving the Estate’s permission to use the fabulous segment with Debbie Harry, Randy Gun, and the TV Party cast and Orchestra.   Your friendship and generosity are appreciated. 

Barbara Wagner at Barbara Wagner Communications was an early supporter of this online exhibition.  Thank you for enthusiasm, support and critical outreach.  We have worked together on some fantastic projects and this one begins our third decade of collaboration.   Thanks also to her team, Elana Bodow and Joanna Pagoulatos.   

Alexandra Charney, AC Webineering, deserves extra credit for her fortitude, creativity and speed.  Without her this exhibition would not exist in its present form.  Not only did she help me shape the story, she did so in record time!  Thank you! 

Appreciation and thanks are due to three curators who I admire and whose work has furthered critical understanding of Jean-Michel Basquiat: Dr. Dieter Buchhart, Eleanor Nairne, and Franklin Sirmans.

Most importantly, thank you to my loving and supportive family, Charles Cecil and Jacqueline Cecil.   Sharon Gardner and Stephen Gardner also provided a sounding board and deserve thanks.  Ben Bailes, thank you for your technical advice! 

Many friends have supported this exhibition with their enthusiasm and sharp eyes, including Emma Snowdon-Jones and Paul Robinson. Thank you!

Thanks are owed to Sokhi Wagner, who was an early designer on this project.   

Scott Gerson, Gerson Conservation; Adam Reich, Adam Reich Photography, and Mrs. Lim, A to Z Framing, thank you!