Stolen Artworks from Spike Lee's Collection Proven to be Main Characters in "Highest 2 Lowest" Exhibition
In Spike Lee's latest film, "Highest 2 Lowest," Denzel Washington plays David King, a music tycoon whose luxurious Dumbo penthouse is a testament to his wealth and creativity. The setting of the film is not just a backdrop but an integral part of the storytelling, drawing directly from Lee's personal art collection.
The penthouse, outfitted with wood paneling and expansive views of Manhattan, is adorned with artworks by major contemporary artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kehinde Wiley, Deborah Roberts, Gordon Parks, Henry Taylor, and more. Notable pieces include reproductions of Basquiat's "Horn Players" (1983) and "Now's the Time" (1985), Kehinde Wiley's Investiture of Bishop Harold as the Duke of Franconia (2005), and Frederick J. Brown's Billie, Lester, Fats, and Duke (1993).
The film's set design also features historic photographs, such as Jim Britt's iconic image of Marvin Gaye at the piano in a recording studio. Pieces from Andy Warhol's "Muhammed Ali" series from 1973 and a print of Shepard Fairey's Kamala Harris FORWARD poster are hung in various rooms, further emphasising King's cultural roots and personal identity.
The luxurious home environment reflects the central character’s wealth, complexity, and connection to New York's vibrant cultural and artistic scenes. This reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa's classic 1963 police drama, set in contemporary New York, focuses heavily on themes of family, power, and music.
Mark Friedberg, the production designer for "Highest 2 Lowest," used Lee's personal art collection as a reference to create a thoughtfully curated setting that extends beyond mere decoration. The 450 objects displayed around the set, including paintings, movie posters, apparel, and musical instruments, illustrate the influence of the artists and cultural elements significant to Spike Lee.
"Highest 2 Lowest" opened in theaters on August 15 and will stream on Apple TV+ starting on September 5. For art enthusiasts and film lovers alike, this film offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of art, culture, and storytelling, as seen through the lens of Spike Lee's personal art collection.
[1] The Brooklyn Museum surveyed Spike Lee's art collection in 2023. [2] The film follows a day in David King's life as he plans to buy back shares of his record label, Stackin' Hits, for $17.5 million. [3] Tim Okamura's 1993 portrait of Toni Morrison is also used in "Highest 2 Lowest." [4] A print of Shepard Fairey's Kamala Harris FORWARD poster is hung in the bedroom of King's son Trey.
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