Jean Michel Basquiat: A Freed Style

Early Years

Jean Michel Basquiat was born on December 22, 1960 in Brooklyn, New York. He was raised by his father, Gérard Basquiat, a Haitian immigrant, and his mother, Matilde Basquiat, a Puerto Rican of Afro-Caribbean descent. Basquiat was an artist of considerable talent, but he also held a deep knowledge of African-American culture, history and politics. He was a voracious reader and was deeply committed to his art.

Career

Basquiat began his career as a graffiti artist in the late 1970s. He quickly gained fame for his vibrant and powerful imagery, which often featured politically charged messages. As his career progressed, he began to focus more on painting, creating large-scale works that gained him recognition as an important contemporary artist.

Style

Jean Michel Basquiat was known for his unique style and use of vibrant color. His works often featured abstract figures, text, and symbols, which he combined in an expressive and dynamic way. His use of color and composition has been influential to many contemporary artists. His art was often charged with political messages, and his works often spoke to social and racial issues. He was also known for his bold and spontaneous brushwork.

Prolific Output

Basquiat was a prolific artist, often working long hours in his studio. He was known for his incredible output and produced hundreds of paintings and drawings throughout his career. He was also a prolific writer, often keeping notebooks filled with his thoughts and ideas. His writings were often as powerful as his art, and he left behind a profound legacy of written works.

Posthumous Success

Basquiat's work has continued to be appreciated and celebrated since his death in 1988. His works have been featured in major exhibitions and are held in the permanent collections of major museums around the world. He was the first artist of color to be included in the Whitney Biennial and the first African-American artist to be represented by a prominent gallery. His legacy continues to inspire generations of artists to explore their own identities and create works of art that speak to their experiences.

Accomplishments

Basquiat's work has been featured in major exhibitions and is held in the permanent collections of major museums around the world. He was the first African-American artist to be represented by a prominent gallery. He was also the first artist of color to be included in the Whitney Biennial.

Books

• Basquiat: A Biography (2018) by Phoebe Hoban
• Basquiat: The Unknown Notebooks (2011) by Jean-Michel Basquiat
• Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child (2010) by Tamra Davis
• Basquiat: The Complete Works (2002) by Richard Marshall
• Basquiat (1994) by Michael Holman

Conclusion

Jean-Michel Basquiat was a visionary artist whose work has had an enduring impact on the art world. His work speaks to his commitment to African-American culture, history and politics, and his use of vibrant color and expressive imagery has left a lasting impression. He has inspired generations of artists, and his legacy will continue to be celebrated for years to come.

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