“Basquiat”
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Jean-Michel Basquiat was born in Brooklyn on December 22, 1960. The intertwined threads of Puerto Rican and Haitian American lineage were woven into the fabric of his artistic identity from birth.
During the 1970s, he went by "SAMO" and left his mark all over the city tagging subway trains and buildings with these thought-provoking messages. He turned the urban landscape into his canvas. Dropping out of high school in 1977, he took his hustle to the streets, selling his own shirts and postcards.
Then, his journey took him worldwide in 1986. He ended up exhibiting around 60 of his paintings at the KestnerGesellschaft Gallery in Germany. Becoming the youngest artist to ever show his work there.
One thing that stands out about Basquiat is his use of the crown symbol in his works. He was putting a spotlight on Black royalty, giving his subjects this aura.
Now, fast forward to today, his pieces are selling for numbers that immortalize him as an artist. From street art to the big leagues.
What do you think about Basquiat's journey and his impact on the art world?
HELLA INSPIRED.
During the 1970s, he went by "SAMO" and left his mark all over the city tagging subway trains and buildings with these thought-provoking messages. He turned the urban landscape into his canvas. Dropping out of high school in 1977, he took his hustle to the streets, selling his own shirts and postcards.
Then, his journey took him worldwide in 1986. He ended up exhibiting around 60 of his paintings at the KestnerGesellschaft Gallery in Germany. Becoming the youngest artist to ever show his work there.
One thing that stands out about Basquiat is his use of the crown symbol in his works. He was putting a spotlight on Black royalty, giving his subjects this aura.
Now, fast forward to today, his pieces are selling for numbers that immortalize him as an artist. From street art to the big leagues.
What do you think about Basquiat's journey and his impact on the art world?
HELLA INSPIRED.