Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1985
He was a street kid, a teen runaway who had slept on benches in New York parks. But he was also a handsome privileged boy from an affluent Brooklyn neighborhood who had gone to private school.
He couldn’t draw worth a darn. He was a street graffiti artist. He painted the same painting over and over. He spoke 3 languages. As an adult, his best friend/competitor was Andy Warhol.
Paramount, 1985
Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat
Private Collection
Jean-Michel Basquiat…his paintings are poetic, full of classical history, messy, charming, huge yet intimate. Everyone remains fascinated by him—the life is compelling, the person bewitching, the canvases impossible to turn away from—we either “get it” or don’t. His paintings sell today for hundreds of millions of dollars.
Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump, 1982
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Private Collection
Basquiat invented a new language.
Words jumped out at him, from the backs of cereal boxes or subway ads, their double and hidden meanings. He was fascinated by the interior parts of the body as seen in an x-ray, sports figures, evil cats, 3 pointed crowns, kings, musicians, police, soap, teeth.
Fallen Angel, 1981
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Private Collection
Jean-Michel Basquiat became a world sensation and died at age 27 from a heroin overdose.
**If you happen to be in Paris! You have 5 more days (closing January 21, 2019) to see a Basquiat blockbuster exhibition at the new and fabulous Louis Vuitton Museum.
Jean-Michel Basquiat, another interesting artist I enjoyed reading about, especially the collaboration with Andy Warhol. I’m curious if Basquiat would be considered an outsider artist. Thank you Kirby!
In some ways, yes, Katy. Basquiat never had training, just like the outside artists. Kirby
Thank you, Kirby – great blog as always!
Thanks, Vincent. More to come! Kirby
Have always loved the work of Basquiat.
A true original.
Thanks for sharing.
He is truly an original isn’t he. That is why he turned the art world upside down! Thank you, Sheridan, for following my blog! Kirby
Kirby – One of my favorite artists. Thanks so much. On my way to Linda’s Blairs lecture tonight. Thanks for keeping us connected to what’s happening.
Question, Carol…do you think Basquiat is drawing inspiration from Leonardo? Thanks for following my blog. Kirby
Once again we get to learn about an exceptional artist….such a rare person…who was apparently beset by something most people don’t understand,….who seemed tortured in some ways…who died a tragic very untimely death..
Besides appreciating his art, I get sad and wonder if anyone really tried to reach out to him and help him do life while he did art? Maybe it just isn’t possible, but I still think about that. Thank you Kirby for one more important piece of art history and art appreciation. L
Lydia, your comments always bring in the compassion which the art market sorely misses. Thank you for your thoughtful comment. Kirby
I “get it”. He’s just another example of how absurd the art world is. Anyone can do anything, in any way they want, using any material whatsoever, and if they get “lucky” they’ll convince the self-appointed international intelligentsia/collector cabal that it’s worthy of respect, and by the way lots of money. There’s nothing at all original about it; you take a bunch of stuff and elaborate it, then elaborate it some more.Anyone with any persistense can do that. In the end it does nothing to advance humanity and in not much time will reside in the dustbin of history. And poor Jean-Michel, what did he get out of it but an early death of heroin.
Go for it, Ken! How refreshing….you, an accomplished artist taking on the frivolity of the art market! Love it! Kirby
I love your blogs…they are always interesting and informative.
You go girl!!! Never stop creating.!!!!!!
Hi Kirby,
I am afraid this type of art runs into
a brick wall with me!
It is creative for sure!
Jan
This is fascinating I love learning about new artists I’ve never heard of. Thank you Kirby for teaching me!!
Wow!
I love looking at these images!!!
Kirby!!!! I love this blog – really.
San Diego misses the famous colorist artist! Thanks for following my blog, Concettta.
Great BLOG…Kirby!! I accidentally ran into Basquiat’s work while visiting an artist friend, who is Pres. of Pastel Society of America and lives around the corner from a gallery that carries his work in the Bowery, which is up and coming! We all have so many of these coincidences!
Yes! Coincidences??? Congrats Marcia on your standing in the Pastel Society of America! Thanks for following my blog.
Kirby, as always, your blogs are fascinating! So enjoy learning from you.
Bill
I just signed up to your Blog Kirby…. and to my surprise I see one of my truly favorite artist , Basquiat. I enjoy his work very much and yes, I get it . I could stand in front of his artwork for hours . I can’t imagine the work he would have gifted us if he hadn’t died so young. Unfortunately, my opinion , his association with Warhol was his biggest mistake.
Hi Pat,
I just saw your comment and thank you so much for signing up for my blog. I had a good laugh at your comment about Warhol and Basquiat. I hope to see you soon. Stay safe! Kirby