Jean-Michel Basquiat

Date of Birth: December 22, 1960

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: August 12, 1988

Biography

Jean-Michel Basquiat was an influential American artist who emerged from the New York City graffiti scene in the late 1970s and became a highly celebrated figure in the art world. Born on December 22, 1960, in Brooklyn, New York, Basquiat’s work is characterized by its raw, expressive style and often explores themes of race, identity, and social injustice. He first gained attention under the pseudonym SAMO, creating graffiti that conveyed poignant social commentary. Basquiat’s transition to the fine art world was marked by his collaborations with notable artists, including Andy Warhol. His art often incorporated text and imagery from a variety of sources, including anatomy textbooks, poetry, and his own personal experiences. Despite his meteoric rise to fame, Basquiat struggled with addiction and tragically died of a heroin overdose on August 12, 1988, at the age of 27. Today, his work continues to influence contemporary art and culture.

5 Interesting Facts about Jean-Michel Basquiat

1. Jean-Michel Basquiat was of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent, which deeply influenced his work and perspectives.

2. He dropped out of high school and lived as a homeless artist, supporting himself by selling hand-painted postcards and T-shirts.

3. Basquiat was the youngest artist ever to exhibit at the prestigious Whitney Biennial in New York.

4. His painting “Untitled” (1982) sold for $110.5 million at auction in 2017, making it one of the most expensive paintings ever sold.

5. He appeared in the 1981 film “Downtown 81,” which showcased his life and the vibrant art scene of early 1980s New York City.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jean-Michel Basquiat

1. “I don’t think about art when I’m working. I try to think about life.”

2. “I am not a black artist; I am an artist.”

3. “I wanted to be a star, not a gallery mascot.”

4. “Art is how we decorate space; music is how we decorate time.”

5. “I cross out words so you will see them more; the fact that they are obscured makes you want to read them.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s highest net worth achieved was estimated to be around $10 million at the time of his death. However, the value of his art has skyrocketed posthumously, with individual pieces selling for over $100 million.