Awareness Post - Jean-Michel Basquiat

Basquiat, or Jean-Michel Basquiat is a contemporary artist and was part of the neo-expressionism movement. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, 1960. He first gained attention in the late 1970s as part of the SAMO graffiti duo in Lower Manhattan, but later had a breakthrough in a solo show at Annina Nosei Gallery in 1982.

Basquiat's Debut at Annina Nosei

In his work as SAMO, this was during his highschool years, where he would write and illustrate for the school paper. SAMO came from a joke from his friends, drsawing series of cartoons. The would spray paint graffiti on buildings in lower Manhattan. When he and his friend had a falling out, he would inscribe "SAMO IS DEAD" on walls.

• Basquiat participated in multiple shows that helped him rise to success, like the Times Square Show, a multi-artist exhibition. He would sell his first painting, Cadillac Moon (1981).

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  In 1981, art dealer Annina Nosei invited him to have a solo show, his first American one-man show. He later would exhibit internationally in major museums including the Whitney Museum of American Art (1985 Biennial), being one of the youngest artists to do so. Interestingly he often painted in expensive Armani clothes.

  

• However, Basquiat was heavily involved with drug use and heroin. His last show would be at the Hans Mayer Galley in Düsseldorf. He died in 1988 at age 27; posthumously recognized as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.