Neo-Expressionism

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988) rose from New York graffiti to international art stardom in just a few years. His raw, urgent paintings fuse text, anatomy and African-American history into a fierce poetic language.

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1960–1988 · American Neo-Expressionist artist

Dead at 27, Basquiat became a symbol of raw genius; his works now sell for the highest prices of any American artist.

Creator story

Surprising fact

Basquiat began as the graffiti duo SAMO before, at 21, befriending Andy Warhol and becoming an art-world sensation.

Source: Wikipedia / Wikimedia

Rose from street graffiti (SAMO) to global fame in a few years.
Fused words, symbols and figures into raw, charged paintings.
Died at 27; his work now commands record prices.

Key works

A key work by Jean-Michel Basquiat

These works make it easiest to see how the artist changed form, content, and the very way art could exist in culture.

1981

Untitled (Skull)

Untitled (Skull) is one of Jean-Michel Basquiat's defining works.