Jean-Michel Basquiat is a painter and draftsman born in 1960 in New York. At the age of sixteen, he regularly tags SAMO on galleries, acronym for Same old sh*t. This graffiti is growing. In 1979, he inscribed SAMO IS DEAD on the walls of the SoHo neighborhood to mark the end of the tag. In addition, he paints canvases associating neo-expressionism and primitivism. In 1980, producer Glenn O'Brien introduced him to Andy Warhol, an artist who influenced him a lot. In June of the same year, Basquiat participated in his first group exhibition.

            In 1981, he quickly became known thanks to the article The Radiant Child glorifying him. In fact, he takes part in his first solo exhibition in the gallery of Annina Nosei, who helps him to work. The following year, Basquiat leaves this gallery. Larry Gagosian, one of the greatest contemporary art dealers, exhibits his works. In 1983, Basquiat became the youngest artist to exhibit his work at the Biennial of the Whitney Museum of American Art, where he also worked with Andy Warhol and Francesco Clemente. The paintings resulting from this collaboration are a great success. He also became very close to the founder of pop art. In 1985, Basquiat was on the cover of one of the biggest American newspapers: The New York Times Magazine. He also produced another series of paintings with Warhol. However, these are strongly criticized.

            Unfortunately, having very quickly become famous and rich, Basquiat sinks into drugs and alcohol. His addiction helps him to create more creative paintings faster. However, his physical and mental health deteriorates. This is why some of his works reflecting his state of mind become darker and more macabre. The death of his friend Warhol completely upset him. His drug use intensifies. At the age of 27, he dies of an overdose.
            This brilliant artist remains behind him thousands of avant-garde works that are today worth several thousand to several million euros.
 
Article written by Sophie Couturier

If you own a work by Basquiat, our experts are at your disposal to give you a free estimate without any commitment on your part.

Get a free estimate online