Jean-Michel Basquiat, born on December 22, 1960, in Brooklyn, New York, was a pioneering American artist whose work helped redefine the contemporary art scene in the 1980s. Of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent, Basquiat showed artistic talent from a young age. He gained initial fame as a graffiti artist under the pseudonym "SAMO" in the streets of Manhattan, where his provocative messages captured the attention of the art community.

Transitioning from street art to canvas, Basquiat's work was characterized by its raw energy, vibrant colors, and a unique blend of text and imagery. His art often explored themes of race, identity, and social injustice, drawing from a rich array of sources including African American history, pop culture, and his personal experiences.

In the early 1980s, Basquiat's career skyrocketed as he became one of the youngest artists to exhibit at prestigious venues like the Whitney Museum of American Art. He collaborated with famous artists like Andy Warhol, which further elevated his status in the art world.

Despite his rapid success, Basquiat struggled with personal issues, including drug addiction, which ultimately led to his untimely death from a heroin overdose on August 12, 1988, at the age of 27. Basquiat's legacy endures, with his work continuing to influence and resonate within the contemporary art world, celebrated for its profound impact and enduring relevance.

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SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS

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SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS

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AWARDS AND HONORS

1981: Emerging Artist Award, Time Magazine (recognized as a significant emerging artist in the art world)

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PUBLICATIONS

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SELECTED PUBLIC COLLECTIONS

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