Basquiat - 40th Anniversary Edition

Jean-Michel Basquiat's legacy continues to thrive today. Known as an iconic figure from 1980s New York, Basquiat first emerged on the scene in the late 1970s under the moniker SAMO, spraying witty comments and fragmented poems on the city's walls. He was part of a vibrant underground community that included visual arts, graffiti, hip hop, post-punk, and DIY filmmaking, all of which converged in a burgeoning art world. As a painter with a distinctive voice, Basquiat quickly gained recognition and began exhibiting his work in galleries around the globe.

Basquiat's signature style was characterized by raw figures and the incorporation of words and phrases into his paintings. His art was inspired by a diverse range of influences, including jazz, boxing, and basketball, as well as obscure historical references and the politics of street life. When asked about the subject matter of his work, Basquiat simply replied, "royalty, heroism, and the streets."

In 1983, Basquiat began collaborating with none other than Andy Warhol, and in 1985 he graced the cover of The New York Times Magazine. Sadly, Basquiat passed away at the age of 27, but by that time he had already become one of the most successful artists of his generation.

To celebrate TASCHEN's 40th anniversary, this comprehensive volume on Basquiat's art is now available in a compact and accessible format. Featuring stunning reproductions of his most iconic paintings, drawings, and notebook sketches, this book offers an intimate look at Basquiat's intricate mark-making and scribbled words. The introduction by editor Hans Werner Holzwarth provides insight into the artist's life and work, while an essay by curator and art historian Eleanor Nairne delves into the themes and artistic development of Basquiat's oeuvre. Year-by-year chapter breaks offer personal background information and historical context, with quotes from Basquiat himself as well as contemporary reviews.