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Overview
"I don't think about art when I'm working. I try to think about life."
Jean-Michel Basquiat was born on December 22, 1960, in Brooklyn, New York, to Matilde Andrades, a Puerto Rican woman, and Gérard Basquiat, a Haitian immigrant. Raised in a multicultural environment, Basquiat showed an early aptitude for art. His mother recognized his artistic talent and encouraged his creative pursuits by taking him to museums and providing him with art supplies.
In his teenage years, Basquiat began as a graffiti artist in New York City, using the tag "SAMO" (short for "Same Old Sh*t") alongside his friend Al Diaz. The graffiti art drew attention for its poetic and enigmatic statements, capturing the spirit of the streets.
His transition from street art to the art world came rapidly. By the early 1980s, Basquiat’s unique style, characterized by raw energy, bold colors, and a fusion of words, symbols, and imagery, garnered significant attention. He incorporated elements of African, Caribbean, and American culture into his work, exploring themes of race, identity, and social issues.
Basquiat's career skyrocketed in the early 1980s. His paintings gained recognition for their depth, complexity, and socio-political commentary. In 1981, he had his first solo exhibition in New York, which received both critical acclaim and commercial success. Collaborations with artists like Andy Warhol further elevated his prominence in the art world.
Despite his rapid ascent to fame, Basquiat struggled with the pressures of success, substance abuse, and the constant spotlight. The intense lifestyle took a toll on his health and well-being.
Tragically, Jean-Michel Basquiat's life was cut short. On August 12, 1988, at the age of 27, he passed away from a drug overdose in his Manhattan apartment. His death shocked the art world, leaving behind a body of work that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Basquiat's impact on the art scene remains profound. His paintings, characterized by their emotional depth and powerful storytelling, continue to fetch record prices at auctions. His influence extends beyond the art world, inspiring subsequent generations of artists, musicians, and creatives.
Jean-Michel Basquiat's artistic legacy lives on as a testament to his raw talent, creativity, and the exploration of profound themes through his work. His paintings continue to provoke thought, challenge perceptions, and evoke powerful emotions, ensuring his place as an icon in the annals of contemporary art history.
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New In Jean-Michel Basquiat Original Prints and Paintings for Sale
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Series
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Exhibitions
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Jaime Urdiales
Interstate 88 August 8 - September 8, 2024Jaime Urdiales, born in 1994 in Spain, is a contemporary artist whose evocative works capture the intersection of nostalgia and urban life. Raised in the tranquil, mountainous village of Losar...Read more -
From Graffiti to Galleries
BANKSY X BASQUIAT January 12 - March 3, 2023in 2017, Jean-Michel Basquia t and Banksy had an unofficial collaboration. Banksy incorporated a figure from Basquiat’s Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump painting and the artist’s crown motif with...Read more -
Building An Urban Art Collection
Standout Works From Urban ArtistsBuilding a timeless urban art collection requires time, patience, and a discerning eye. Start by evaluating your current collection and identifying any gaps. Essential pieces to consider include signed and...Read more
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News
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Jean-Michel Basquiat
Icon and Identity: The Cultural Significance of Portfolio II October 29, 2024Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Portfolio II, a compelling collection of four screenprints, presents a multifaceted exploration of cultural identity, history, and personal mythology. Each piece, imbued with...Read more -
Jean-Michel Basquiat
1983-2001 October 7, 2024Portfolio I exemplifies Basquiat’s signature style and his sharp reflection of contemporary society. This collection captures Jean-Michel Basquiat as a groundbreaking artist with deep cultural...Read more -
Building Your Urban Collection
Banksy, Harland Miller, Basquiat, KAWS, and Invader July 29, 2024Building a timeless urban art collection requires time, patience, and a discerning eye. Start by evaluating your current collection and identifying any gaps. Essential pieces...Read more -
Jean-Michel Basquiat 2024 Half Time Report
June 24, 2024In the first half of 2024, the auction market witnessed sustained enthusiasm for the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat , highlighting his enduring influence and appeal....Read more -
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Odours Of Punt, 1983-2024 June 17, 2024The Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat released Odours Of Punt this past May 2024 in New York City. Published by Flatiron Editions, the posthumous release is...Read more -
Auction Top 10 from Print Sales
April 18, 2024Yesterday's auction spectacle showcased an array of captivating works, with pieces by iconic artists such as Warhol, Lichtenstein, and Basquiat taking center stage. From Warhol's...Read more -
Basquiat Estate Prints
A Guide To Investment March 12, 2024Basquiat , from his early days in street art to achieving gallery stardom, illuminated a path for his contemporaries in a career that, though brief,...Read more -
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Setting Records - Highest Selling Artworks February 26, 2024Jean-Michel Basquiat's artworks, resonant with commentary on race, identity, and society, continue to hold profound relevance amidst contemporary socio-political dialogues. His death at the age...Read more -
The Legacy of Jean-Michel Basquiat
Exploring the World of Estate Prints January 27, 2024Jean-Michel Basquiat , an artist whose meteoric rise in the 1980s art world left an indelible mark on contemporary art, continues to fascinate and inspire...Read more -
2024 Artist Market Predictions
A Look Ahead January 16, 20242024 Artist Market Predictions As the year kicks off, we have put together our artist market predictions for 2024, offering insights into evolving trends and...Read more -
2023 In Review
A Look Back December 29, 2023TO WRAP UP THE YEAR, WE ARE TAKING A LOOK BACK AT OUR TOP 10 BEST SELLING ARTISTS OF THE GALLERY. ANDY WARHOL WARHOL'S ART...Read more
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Videos
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Building Your Urban Art Collection: Banksy, KAWS, Invader, Basquiat and Harland Miller
August 2, 2024Building a timeless urban art collection requires time, patience, and a discerning eye. Start by evaluating your current collection and identifying any gaps. Essential pieces...Read more -
Jean-Michel Basquiat Top 10 Prints Sales at Auction in 2024
July 3, 2024Several factors have contributed to the surge in Basquiat's print sales. Firstly, the global art market has seen an influx of new collectors, many of...Read more
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