Artwork of Jean-Michel Basquiat
Body of Work
Brief Biography
Jean-Michel Basquiat (American, 1960–1988), one of the first African American artists to reach
international stature and wealth in the art world, had a short but impactful career. His rise to fame
came quickly, as he was celebrated for his fusion of multicultural symbols, biting social
commentary, and distinctive graphic style. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Basquiat drew and visited
museums regularly from an early age, and many of his childhood interests—ranging from cartoons
and Alfred Hitchcock films to anatomy and French and Spanish textbooks—would prove
influential in his later work. Ever conscious of his identity as an African-American in the art world,
Basquiat’s work was rife with imagery commenting on race relations in America, and drawing from
the culture of the African Diaspora. His prevalent drug use became a greater concern to his friends
and colleagues in the mid-1980s, and the artist’s fiery temper and capriciousness increased,
particularly when working with dealers or developing his oeuvre. Warhol’s death in 1987 deeply
affected Basquiat, and he painted several final works in a frenzy, full of apocalyptic imagery but
with a confident, mature style. He died of a drug overdose on August 12, 1988, ending a brief but
highly influential life at the age of 27. (Source: LibGuides)
Building Background
Uncovering the Man Behind Basquiat’s Paintings
Basquiat: A Timeline and Analysis of Important Works (The Art Story.org)
Legacy of a Cultural Icon
The Chaotic Brilliance of Jean-Michel Basquiat (TED ED)
Basquiat and the Black body (The Paris Review)
The World of Jean-Michel Basquiat A look at the life, work, controversies, and iconic mystique of
Jean-Michel Basquiat, an artist who conquered the art world, defined a generation of 1980's expressionist
painting, and became a celebrity doing it.
Basquait, the Life and Work behind the legend (BBC)
Biography of Basquait (Thought Co)
Uncovering the man Behind Basquait’s Paintings (Art in Context)
Jean-Michel Basquiat, An American Artist (Encyclopedia Britannica) This article examines
Basquiat’s life, identity, cultural influences, and modes of artistic expression and creativity
Race, Power, and Money
Irony of a Negro Policeman, 1981 Source SOURCE 2
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La Hara, 1981 Source Source 2
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Self Portrait, 1981 Source
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Head, 1981 Source
Fallen Angel, 1981 Source
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Warrior, 1982, Source
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Self Portrait as a Heel, 1982 Source
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Untitled II, 1982 Source
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The Pilgrimage, 1982 Source (page 26)
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Native Carrying Some Guns, Bibles, Amorites on Safari, 1982 Source
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Obnoxious Liberals, 1982 Source
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Baptism, 1982 Source
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Created Equal, 1982 Source
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Cabeza, 1982 Source
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Chinese Boxer Rebellion, 1982 Source 1 Source 2
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Untitled Dog Leg Study, 1982 Source
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