Art Masters: Basquiat

The late 1970s and early 1980s New York art scene was defined by Jean-Michel Basquiat's dazzling, provocative work. This graphic novel captures his life and times, from the SAMO graffiti project to his first solo show, and his relationship with Andy Warhol. Basquiat's influence can be seen in fine art, fashion, design, and music, and this biography shows his work to be more important and urgent than ever before.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2019
Publisher: SelfMadeHero

Jean-Michel Basquiat's (1960-1988) dazzling and provocative artwork would come to define the vibrant New York art scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s. His work drew heavily on the cultural trappings of lower Manhattan, to which he fled from Brooklyn at the age of 15. This stunning graphic novel captures the dramatic life and exhilarating times of this archetypal New York artist, covering everything from the SAMO graffiti project to his first solo show, from his relationship with Andy Warhol to the substance abuse that would ultimately cost him his life.

Today, Basquiat's influence can be seen not only in fine art but in fashion, design, and music. Now, for the first time, his remarkable story is told in graphic novel form. This playful, authoritative biography shows Basquiat's work to be more important, his themes more urgent, than ever before.

Basquiat was born in Brooklyn in 1960 and grew up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. He began painting at a young age and quickly gained recognition for his unique style, which fused elements of street art, graffiti, and fine art. In the mid-1970s, he began to gain attention in the New York art scene, and his work was soon exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.

One of Basquiat's most famous works is the SAMO graffiti project, which he began in 1972. The project involved painting large-scale murals on the walls of buildings in lower Manhattan, and it quickly gained attention from the art world and the public. Basquiat's work was characterized by his use of bold colors, intricate patterns, and powerful images, and it reflected the cultural and social climate of the time.

In 1977, Basquiat had his first solo show at the Whitney Museum of American Art, and it was a critical success. His work was praised for its raw energy and its ability to capture the spirit of New York City. He continued to exhibit his work in galleries and museums throughout the 1980s, but his personal life was increasingly troubled. He struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues, and he died in 1988 at the age of 27.

Basquiat's influence on the art world is undeniable. His work has inspired generations of artists, and his unique style has been widely imitated. He has been credited with helping to redefine the boundaries of what art can be and what it means to be an artist. Today, his work is housed in some of the world's most prestigious museums, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London.

In addition to his artistic achievements, Basquiat was also a prominent figure in the New York City music scene. He was friends with many musicians, including Keith Haring, Madonna, and Debbie Harry, and his work was often used as album art and in music videos. He was also a mentor to many young artists, and his influence can be seen in the work of artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child (2000) and Basquiat (2017).

In conclusion, Jean-Michel Basquiat's (1960-1988) dazzling and provocative artwork would come to define the vibrant New York art scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s. His work drew heavily on the cultural trappings of lower Manhattan, to which he fled from Brooklyn at the age of 15. This stunning graphic novel captures the dramatic life and exhilarating times of this archetypal New York artist, covering everything from the SAMO graffiti project to his first solo show, from his relationship with Andy Warhol to the substance abuse that would ultimately cost him his life. Today, Basquiat's influence can be seen not only in fine art but in fashion, design, and music. Now, for the first time, his remarkable story is told in graphic novel form. This playful, authoritative biography shows Basquiat's work to be more important, his themes more urgent, than ever before.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 237 x 165 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910593653