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Basquiat-Isms


Synopsis


A collection of essential quotations and other writings from artist and icon Jean-Michel Basquiat

One of the most important artists of the late twentieth century, Jean-Michel Basquiat explored the interplay of words and images throughout his career as a celebrated painter with an instantly recognizable style. In his paintings, notebooks, and interviews, he showed himself to be a powerful and creative writer and speaker as well as image-maker. Basquiat-isms is a collection of essential quotations from this godfather of urban culture. In these brief, compelling, and memorable selections, taken from his interviews as well as his visual and written works, Basquiat writes and speaks about culture, his artistic persona, the art world, artistic influence, race, urban life, and many other subjects. Concise, direct, forceful, poetic, and enigmatic, Basquiat's words, like his art, continue to resonate.

Select quotations from the book:

  • "I cross out words so you will see them more; the fact that they are obscured makes you want to read them."
  • "I think there are a lot of people that are neglected in art, I don't know if it's because of who made the paintings or what, but, um . . . black people are never really portrayed realistically or I mean not even portrayed in modern art."
  • "Since I was 17, I thought I might be a star."
  • "The more I paint the more I like everything."
  • "I think I make art for myself, but ultimately I think I make it for the world."

Jean-Michel Basquiat, Larry Warsh (editor)

Summary

Chapter 1: The Genesis of a Genius

- Introduces Jean-Michel Basquiat's childhood and influences.
- Highlights his fascination with art, music, and street culture.
- Examples: Basquiat's early drawings, collaborations with poet Al Diaz.

Chapter 2: SAMO and the Birth of Street Art

- Explores Basquiat's collaboration with Al Diaz as SAMO.
- Discusses the impact of graffiti on Basquiat's work and philosophy.
- Examples: SAMO graffiti tags, "SAMO©" street works.

Chapter 3: The Breakthrough

- Traces Basquiat's rise to prominence in the art world.
- Focuses on his participation in group exhibitions and solo shows.
- Examples: "The Radiant Child" (1981), "One Cent Life" (1983).

Chapter 4: The Poetics of Basquiat

- Analyzes Basquiat's unique artistic language.
- Examines the use of text, symbols, and visual metaphors.
- Examples: "Hollywood Africans" (1983), "Two Heads on One Body" (1983).

Chapter 5: Identity, Race, and Politics

- Explores the intersection of identity, race, and politics in Basquiat's work.
- Discusses the representation of black experience and the critique of societal norms.
- Examples: "The Black Prince" (1982), "A Crown for the Prettiest King" (1984).

Chapter 6: The Collaborations

- Highlights Basquiat's collaborations with other artists, musicians, and filmmakers.
- Discusses the influence of Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, and Fab Five Freddy.
- Examples: "Tuxedo" (1982) with Andy Warhol, "Beat Bop" (1983) music video.

Chapter 7: The Legacy

- Examines the enduring impact of Basquiat's art and legacy.
- Discusses the influence on contemporary artists, the art market, and cultural discourse.
- Examples: Basquiat's work in major museums, the sale of "Fulton Street" (1980) for $57.3 million in 2020.