Jean-Michel Basquiat

From his humble beginnings as a graffiti artist on the streets of New York City to his meteoric rise in the art world, Basquiat’s art career was short-lived but his legacy is immortal.

In the late 1970s, Basquiat started making street art under the name ‘SAMO,’ working with his friend Al Diaz. Soon after, Basquiat began to stand out individually as a storyteller, weaving narratives that were both personal and socially significant. His art draws from a mix of divine imagery, Egyptian mythology, and Black culture, reflecting his own experiences and heritage. Growing up as the son of Puerto Rican and Haitian parents in New York, Basquiat was acutely aware of racial inequality and ongoing oppression.

In a short period, his raw, emotionally intense paintings caught the eyes of art collectors and critics, kickstarting his rapid ascent in the art world. A hallmark of Basquiat’s work is his clever use of wordplay and symbolism, featuring recurring motifs like skulls, masks, and his iconic Basquiat crown.

As his fame grew, Basquiat formed friendships with Keith Haring, David Bowie, Madonna, and Andy Warhol, with whom he collaborated to create over 150 works.

Tragically, Jean-Michel Basquiat died of a drug overdose at just 27 years old. Even though he created art for only seven years, his impact is profound.