Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988) was an American artist of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent, known for his neo-expressionist paintings that combined elements of graffiti, street art, and African American cultural iconography. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and began his career as a graffiti artist under the pseudonym SAMO.Basquiat's work often dealt with themes of race, identity, and social injustice, and incorporated elements of popular culture, including cartoons, advertising, and African masks. His paintings were characterized by their expressive brushwork, bold colors, and text-heavy compositions, which often included cryptic phrases and cultural references.Basquiat rose to fame in the 1980s and became one of the most prominent artists of the Neo-expressionist movement. He was known for his collaborations with fellow artists, musicians, and fashion designers, and was a prominent figure in the downtown New York art scene.Basquiat's life was cut short by a drug overdose in 1988, at the age of 27. Despite his brief career, he left a lasting impact on the art world and is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. His works have sold for record-breaking prices at auction, and are held in major collections around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Tate in London, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
Measures 0.75 x 0.75 inches.