Jean-Michel Basquiat

Biography

Jean-Michel Basquiat was a groundbreaking neo-expressionist painter who emerged from the vibrant New York City street art scene of the late 1970s. Rising to international prominence in the 1980s, he created a distinctive visual language that combined graffiti aesthetics, abstract expressionism, and cultural commentary. His raw energy and prolific output challenged conventional notions of fine art and brought street culture into major galleries and museums.

Despite his meteoric rise and commercial success, Basquiat remained deeply engaged with themes of identity, race, and social injustice. His paintings, characterized by bold colors, cryptic text, and powerful imagery, continue to captivate audiences and influence contemporary artists. Though his life was tragically brief, his artistic legacy has secured his place as one of the most significant artists of the twentieth century.