Basquiat

Description

Born in Brooklyn in 1960, Jean-Michel Basquiat was only 27 when he died, his meteoric and often controversial career having lasted for just eight years. Despite his early death, Basquiat's large and powerful oeuvre has ensured his continuing reputation as one of modern art's most distinctive and eloquent voices. Borrowing from graffiti and street imagery, cartoons, mythology and religious symbolism, Basquiat's drawings and paintings explore issues of race and identity, providing social commentary that is shrewdly observed and biting. This book examines and celebrates the achievements of one of the most original artists of the late twentieth century.

Reviews

A stunningly designed publication - EBONY [Provides] critical insight for anyone who has an interest in Basquiat and the art world at the time he came to prominence in the 80s - MAGIK CITY

Author description

Fred Hoffman is Ahmanson Curatorial Fellow at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. Kellie Jones is Associate Professor of Art History and Archaeology at Columbia University, New York. Marc Mayer is Director and CEO of the National Gallery of Canada. Franklin Sirmans is Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Menil Collection, Houston.