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 2 3 La Hara, 1981 Source Source 2 4 Self Portrait, 1981 Source 5 Head, 1981 Source Fallen Angel, 1981 Source 6 Warrior, 1982, Source 7 Self Portrait as a Heel, 1982 Source 8 Untitled II, 1982 Source 9 The Pilgrimage, 1982 Source (page 26) 10 Native Carrying Some Guns, Bibles, Amorites on Safari, 1982 Source 11 Obnoxious Liberals, 1982 Source 12 Baptism, 1982 Source 13 Created Equal, 1982 Source 14 Cabeza, 1982 Source 15 Chinese Boxer Rebellion, 1982 Source 1 Source 2 16 Untitled Dog Leg Study, 1982 Source 17 18