Basquiat: Quick Killing in Art

Jean-Michel Basquiat was a New York City-based artist who rose to fame in the 1980s. His work is characterized by its use of text, symbolism, and graffiti-like imagery. Basquiat's paintings often explored themes of race, class, and identity. He died of a drug overdose in 1988 at the age of 27.

Basquiat: A Quick Killing in Art

by Phoebe Hoban

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2871 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	402 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Early Life and Career

Jean-Michel Basquiat was born in Brooklyn, New York, on December 22, 1960. His father was Haitian and his mother was Puerto Rican. Basquiat's family moved to Boerum Hill when he was a child. He began drawing at an early age and was influenced by the graffiti art that he saw on the streets of New York City.

In 1977, Basquiat dropped out of high school and began living on the streets. He sold T-shirts and postcards that he designed himself. In 1980, Basquiat met Keith Haring, another young artist who was also living on the streets. The two artists began collaborating on art projects and became close friends.

In 1981, Basquiat had his first solo exhibition at the Annina Nosei Gallery in New York City. The exhibition was a critical and commercial success. Basquiat's work was praised for its originality and its powerful exploration of social and political issues.

Mature Work

In the early 1980s, Basquiat's work became more complex and ambitious. He began using a wider range of materials, including oil paint, acrylic paint, and collage. His paintings became larger and more detailed. Basquiat's mature work often explored themes of race, class, and identity. He used text and symbolism to create works that were both personal and political.

One of Basquiat's most famous paintings is "The Death of Michael Stewart" (1983). The painting depicts the death of a young black man who was killed by police officers in 1983. Basquiat's painting is a powerful indictment of police brutality and racism.

Another one of Basquiat's most famous paintings is "Riding with Death" (1988). The painting depicts Basquiat riding on a horse with a skeleton. The painting is a reflection on Basquiat's own mortality and his struggles with drug addiction.

Legacy

Jean-Michel Basquiat died of a drug overdose in 1988 at the age of 27. Despite his short life, Basquiat left behind a body of work that is both powerful and influential. His work continues to be exhibited in museums and galleries around the world.

Basquiat is considered one of the most important artists of the 20th century. His work has been praised for its originality, its exploration of social and political issues, and its powerful use of text and symbolism.

Additional Resources

• Jean-Michel Basquiat at The Museum of Modern Art
• Jean-Michel Basquiat at Tate
• Jean-Michel Basquiat at the Guggenheim Museum

Basquiat: A Quick Killing in Art

by Phoebe Hoban

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2871 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	402 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE