Jean-Michel Basquiat
 American painter, whose work first appeared as graffiti on the streets and
subways of New York City. He was the most successful of a number of so-called
street artists, whose work crossed over into New York City's gallery scene in
the early 1980s. His works mix imagery from African, Caribbean, European, and
popular art.
The son of a Haitian father and a mother of Puerto Rican
descent, Basquiat grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He had no formal art training
beyond high school, but on his own he energetically explored a wide range of
imagery and influences, ranging from comic books to Egyptian hieroglyphics, from
the works of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso to children's art.
Basquiat was
adored by the wealthy downtown art establishment, which promoted what it
believed was primitive genius, though some critics believed he was exploited.
New York artists such as Keith Haring and Kenny Sharf, both of whom were keenly
interested in integrating so-called street art influences into their work, also
admired Basquiat. In 1983 and 1984 Basquiat collaborated with American artist
Andy Warhol and Italian artist Francesco Clemente on several oil paintings.
Initially feverishly productive, Basquiat grew increasingly undependable
under the stresses of fame. Although he tried to overcome a heroin habit, he
died of a drug overdose in his Manhattan loft when he was just 27.
Notable paintings
- "Untitled (Skull)" (1981)
- "Notary" (1983)
- "Per Capita" (1981)
- "Flexible" (1984)
- "Hollywood Africans" (1983)
- "Untitled (History of the Black People)" (1983)
- "Charles the First" (1982)
- "Irony of a Negro Policeman" (1981)
- "Self-Portrait" (1982)
- "Untitled (Fallen Angel)" (1981)
These paintings, along with many others by Basquiat, are highly valued
for their raw energy, expressive use of color and line, and thought-provoking
themes related to race, identity, and popular culture.
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