"The more I paint the more I like everything."
ean-Michel Basquiat was an American artist known for his raw and powerful paintings that tackled issues of race, identity, and social justice. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1960, Basquiat began his artistic career as a street artist, using the pseudonym SAMO to tag walls and buildings throughout the city. He quickly gained a reputation for his unique style and provocative subject matter.
Basquiat's paintings are characterized by their bold, gestural brushstrokes, vivid colors, and frenzied compositions. He often incorporated text and imagery from popular culture, including advertisements, comic books, and street signs. His work tackled themes of racism, police brutality, and the African diaspora, and he was a vocal critic of the art establishment and its lack of diversity.
In the early 1980s, Basquiat's work gained recognition from the art world, and he quickly became a leading figure in the neo-expressionist movement. His work was exhibited at major galleries and museums around the world, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Despite his success, Basquiat struggled with addiction and mental health issues throughout his life. He died in 1988 at the age of 27 from a drug overdose, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century.
Today, Basquiat's paintings are highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts around the world, with many selling for millions of dollars at auction. His impact on the art world has been profound, inspiring countless artists and continuing to influence contemporary art and culture. Basquiat's legacy as a pioneer of the street art movement, and as an artist who used his work to address important social and political issues, continues to resonate today.