Film director Spike Lee’s new film, Highest 2 Lowest, transforms his art collection into a cinematic set piece, with Denzel Washington starring as music mogul David King. The film features an enviable art collection showcasing works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kehinde Wiley, and Andy Warhol, among others. Production designer Mark Friedberg drew inspiration from Lee’s own collection, featuring 450 objects at the 2023 exhibition “Spike Lee: Creative Sources” at the Brooklyn Museum.
The film’s set pieces are a blend of reality and art, with reproductions of selected artworks created for the movie. These works include Basquiat’s Horn Players and Wiley’s Investiture of Bishop Harold as the Duke of Franconia, dominating the Kings’ living room. The apartment’s design reflects King’s wealth and creativity, showcasing his vast collection in a sumptuous space.
As seen in the film, Lee’s art collection plays a pivotal role in David King’s moral quandary, with portraits of James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Marvin Gaye appearing on screen to offer no response. The visual works not only serve as set decor but also drive the narrative forward, demonstrating the power of art in storytelling.
Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest is a reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, pitting King’s wealth against his integrity. With Denzel Washington at its center, the film brings to life a world of luxury and creativity, where art collection and character intersect.
Source: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/spike-lee-highest-2-lowest-art-collection-2678263