Spike Lee : Gibbes Distinguished Lecture Series

While Spike Lee is known for his Academy Award winning movies and his love of basketball, his knowledge and passion for art was center stage at the Gibbes Museum’s annual Distinguished Lecture Series at the Charleston Music Hall. It was a full house. The questions were plentiful and the crowd engaged.

Pauline Forlenza, president of the American Federation of Arts, interview style was educational, inspiring and left space for a Spike Lee brand of energy. They conversed on his personal art collection and the artist that catch his attention. Lee includes works from his fine art collection into his film sets such as major Black and contemporary artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kehinde Wiley, Gordon Parks, Andy Warhol, Tim Okamura, and Shepard Fairey.

Then he made everyone’s night by wrapping it up with a signing. He signed his books, shoes and even a Citadel cadet’s hat.

Fun fact : He makes his schedule around the New York Knicks.

“I've been blessed with the opportunity to express the views of black people who otherwise don't have access to power and the media. I have to take advantage of that while I'm still bankable.” - Spike Lee