Jean-Michel Basquiat was one of the greatest artists of NYC. Jean’s highly experimental work was praised for its representation on topics such as social cultures, poverty and more. His designs from his crown to the giant heads of his characters garnered interest for their creativity. While inspiring millions around the world, his work decades after his death in 1988 has only increased in value with Untitled, 1982 selling for 110.5 million and estimated to increase. His positive yet enigmatic personality alongside his collaborations with artists such as Andy Warhol made him unforgettable both through his work and as a person.
Born in Brooklyn, Basquiat’s surroundings and Haitian/Puertorican heritage With artist and friend Al Diaz Michel’s career took off when he became known for his work in SAMO. Both connected over their matching personalities and pursued art after dropping out of school. Originally standing for “Same old shit” referring to the weed both shared, SAMO was an inside joke brought to life through graffiti sprayed all over lower manhattan. This gained attention as the messages were often witty, socially challenging and humorous. Later the pair sold this story to the Village Voice where Philip Faflicks article gained traction and started Basquiat’s career. This portion of Michels career is rarely discussed as many SAMO pieces were lost to building
The Village Voice Article, Al Diaz
renovations and paint jobs however is equally as important to his career as his later achievements.
Known for his designs and their widespread symbolism, Basquiat further gained influence for his creativity with his pieces. Besides painting on canvases or paper, Jean often painted on materials he found on the streets of NYC ranging from rubber scraps to glass panels combined with multiple art styles and layers of paint. His extremely experimental techniques captured the attention of all hip-hop and rock related cultures which further had him embrace his classic use of intensely drawn symbols and words.
The New York Times Roslyn Sulcas/ Photo: Edo bertoglio/ Compose Yourself Magazine
Creating over 600 paintings and 1500 drawings, Basquiat’s pieces are proudly displayed all over the world in museums and purchased for outstanding prices ranging from twenty seven thousand to two million.
Untitled 1982, Widewalls – $23 million
Untitled 1981, Widewalls – $23.5 million
Flesh and spirit 1983, Widewalls – $27 million
Works cited
- – A&E Networks Television. (2021, May 26). Jean-Michel Basquiat. Biography.com. Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://www.biography.com/artist/jean-michel-basquiat
- – Dazed. (2017, September 6). The story of Samo©, Basquiat’s first art project. Dazed. Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://www.dazeddigital.com/art-photography/article/37058/1/al-diaz-on-samo-and-basquiat
- – Experimental techniques. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. (n.d.). Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus/en/learn/schools/teachers-guides/experimental-techniques
- – facebook.com/hffb27. (2022, February 12). [photo series] revisiting Basquiat. Compose Yourself Magazine. Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://composeyourselfmagazine.com/2015/02/photo-series-revisiting-basquiat/
- – The most expensive Jean Michel Basquiat paintings at auctions. Widewalls. (n.d.). Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://www.widewalls.ch/magazine/most-expensive-jean-michel-basquiat-artwork/untitled-yellow-tar-and-fea thers-1982
- – Stoppard, L. (2017, September 20). How Jean-Michel Basquiat predicted our identity-obsessed Digital age. British GQ. Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/jean-michel-basquiat
- – Sulcas, R. (2017, September 18). Banksy strikes again, with nod to Basquiat. The New York Times. Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/18/arts/design/banksy-jean-michel-basquiat-barbican-center.html
