Michael “Bäst” Polimeni was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1970 and passed away in Brooklyn in 2021. Bäst remained semi-anonymous throughout his career. From an early age it was clear that he marched to the beat of his own drum. He was creative in every sense of the word. He saw life through a unique lens and learned to express what he saw through the world of art. His work is a distinctive blend of vibrant pop art and abstract expressionism. In a rare interview with Vagazine in 2012, he said “I have never been to one of my openings. I just want people to see my work.” His work became widely celebrated, affording him opportunities to showcase his art in galleries around NYC and internationally. Bäst was also heavily involved in the fashion world. He designed his own collections and worked with iconic NYC designers like Agnès B and Marc Jacobs as longtime creative collaborators.
"I spent many great times with Michael, but I think most of all I'll treasure the sound he made when he walked. As some of you will know - during the years he worked handling baggage at JFK he would often help himself to the liquor bottles from the airplane refreshment trolleys. Then he would show up with his pockets completely stuffed with these tiny little bottles - making the most delightful tinkling sound whenever he moved. Like a cross between Al Pacino and a wind chime. Whatever the situation, you could rely on him to produce a shot of cognac at exactly the right moment - with a broad Brooklyn grin. If you ever painted with BAST you had a story to tell. Even waiting for a bus with him was exciting - one time he stayed with me in London and I remember loitering at Old Street roundabout for the 55. He wasn't used to standing about, and every time a bus pulled up which wasn't ours he cursed and painted 'BAST' on the side - in 4 foot high pink letters - in front of all the other passengers. After 20 minutes of this I was both crying with laughter and praying for the bus to come before the cops. I don't think there is a modern artist who has better embodied the spirit of New York City than BAST. A true legend. "
Banksy
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