It was an era when the art scene in New York had hit a peak, and young artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat were in high demand.
And for the most part, the African-American artist’s neo-expressionist paintings were not well received by critics.
But to collectors like Jeffrey Deitch, who would later become one of Basquiat’s dealers, it didn’t matter what critics thought – his work was mesmerizing.
“Jim Shaw, who was then my partner at the gallery, had brought in this painting by Basquiat,” Deitch said. “It was a big painting that covered an entire wall. And we would just look at it constantly.”
The painting depicted a man with tribal facial markings with his face twisted into a grotesque expression. The background was filled with angry splotches of color and scribbled words.
A friend of Deitch’s spotted the piece in his gallery one day and bought it on the spot. He eventually sold it to a collector in Europe, where it now hangs in a private museum.
Deitch said he was so mesmerized by what he called “the raw power” of Basquiat’s paintings that he commissioned him to do another piece for his gallery – one that would
Jean-Michel Basquiat (December 22, 1960 – August 12, 1988) was an American artist. He was born in Brooklyn, New York City. He made powerful paintings about social problems. The name Jean-Michel Basquiat comes from the combination of his father’s first name, Jean and his mother’s maiden name, Matilde. Basquiat grew up in a middle class family of Haitian immigrants. His father André Basquiat was a Haitian painter and his mother Matilde Basquiat was a Haitian activist and artist. He spent most of his childhood living in Brooklyn with his parents and two sisters: Lisane and Jeanine.
Towards the end of 1980s he became one of the most famous artists in New York City art scene. His work has been favored by many celebrities including Andy Warhol and Madonna. He also featured in various TV shows including American Bandstand and TW3. The young artist died from overdose on August 12, 1988 when he was only 27 years old but he left behind many famous paintings which have now become part of many renowned museums all over the world such as Museum of Modern Art in New York City, Whitney Museum in New York City, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, Smithsonian American Art
Jean-Michel Basquiat is one of the best known and most revered figures in the world of contemporary art. He was a leading figure of the late 20th century Neo-Expressionist movement, and his works are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts all over the world.
The painter died tragically young in 1988 at just 27 years old, but his legacy has lived on through art lovers and artists who continue to be inspired by his work. Basquiat’s art is often described as raw, powerful and intense, with a social message that reflected the racially charged atmosphere of 1980s New York.
Basquiat’s life story is as fascinating as his work. From a difficult childhood to early success in the New York art scene, read on for a full biography of this talented artist.*
*Source: http://www.articlestopics.info/basquiat-art/biography/
During his lifetime, Basquiat became a legendary figure in the New York City art world. His paintings were exhibited and sold by many of the most respected galleries. His works are now displayed in museums and private collections all over the world.
Truly a pioneer, Jean-Michel Basquiat is credited with helping to create a new generation of African American artists and has become one of the most influential voices in contemporary art.
Basquiat was an artist whose work broke down barriers, both for African Americans, who previously had been underrepresented in the art scene, as well as for other artists from minority groups. He overcame intense criticism of his bold style and painting subjects that were previously considered taboo by some. He was also one of the first artists to collaborate on projects with musicians like Andy Warhol, Vincent Gallo and Tom Waits.
When he was born in 1960 to Haitian immigrant parents, Jean-Michel Basquiat lived in Harlem with his family. From an early age, he showed a great interest in drawing, which was encouraged by his mother who was an artist herself. His drawing talents were recognized at school where he received encouragement from teachers who saw great potential in him.
When he was only 13 years old, Basquiat started
The death of a famous artist is always an occasion for mourning and celebration. Celebrations are in order, but so are regrets. When talented young people die before their time, we miss seeing what they would have done next. Their early death also makes it harder to understand their work.
The life and death of Jean-Michel Basquiat is a case in point. He burned brightly but briefly, then virtually disappeared from view. If he had been less talented or less charismatic, no one would remember him today.
Trying to figure him out is like trying to pick up a copy of The New York Times from a puddle on the floor. But unlike with the newspaper in the puddle, we can’t just skip to the next thing; we have to find a way to read what’s left of Basquiat’s work and life.
When you take a look at his masterpiece and consider that it was done by an untrained artist and not by a professional, you will agree that he was really talented. Jean-Michel Basquiat
The New York Times is reporting that a new biography of Jean Michel Basquiat contains details of his life, including his drug use. The book also says the artist’s womanizing and other behavior led to a mental breakdown in 1984.
The materials are based on interviews with more than 200 people who knew the artist. The book is called Basquiat: A Radiant Child.
A spokesman for Sotheby’s said the auction house was precluded from commenting on the private lives of artists. The spokesman said the book contains no new information about the art created by Basquiat.
The Times report said that some of the same information appeared in a 1998 article in Spin Magazine but was considered too damaging to be included in any earlier books about Basquiat.
