Basquiat, Jean-Michel

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    Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-88, age 27). A groundbreaking American artist who rose from the underground graffiti scene in New York City to become one of the most influential figures in contemporary art — all before his untimely death at age 27.

    Basquiat was born in Brooklyn, New York and died of a heroin overdose in Manhattan‘s East Village. His father was Haitian and his mother Puerto Rican; his Afro-Caribbean heritage heavily influenced his art. He was a self-taught artist who spoke multiple languages and had a sharp intellect, often incorporating historical, anatomical, and political references into his work.

    Early Career – SAMO

    •          As a teen, Basquiat gained attention as one half of the graffiti duo SAMO (Same Old Sh*t), tagging cryptic messages around SoHo and the Lower East Side in the late ’70s.

    •          His poetic and socially charged messages stood out in NYC’s chaotic urban landscape, blending art, protest, and philosophy.

    Style & Themes

    Known for his raw, expressive lines, bold colors, and incorporation of text, symbols, crowns, skeletons, and African iconography, Basquiat tackled heavy themes like:

    o          Race and identity

    o          Colonialism

    o          Class struggle

    o          Police brutality

    o          Black history and cultural pride

    His work was full of irony and contradiction, often mixing childish scrawls with profound commentary.

    Breakthrough & Collaborations

    •          In the early 1980s, Basquiat caught the attention of the art world’s elite.

    •          Andy Warhol became both mentor and collaborator — their joint exhibitions were controversial but iconic.

    •          By 1982, Basquiat was exhibiting internationally and had become the first Black artist to gain major traction in the elite, often white-dominated contemporary art world.

    Legacy

    •          Today, Basquiat‘s work sells for tens of millions. One painting, Untitled (1982), sold for $110.5 million in 2017 — one of the highest ever for an American artist.

    •          He’s become a cultural icon — influencing fashion, hip hop, and pop culture.

    •          His art is more relevant than ever in discussions about systemic racism, capitalism, and the commodification of culture.