With East Village exhibition, the art of Jean-Michel Basquiat comes home

Summary

Jean-Michel Basquiat, a seminal figure in contemporary American art, is celebrated in a new exhibition featuring his influential works that challenge perceptions of race, poverty, and politics. Despite his tragic death at 27, Basquiat's fame has only grown, with his 1982 painting selling for a record $110 million. The exhibition, curated by Dieter Buchhart and now at the Brant Foundation in New York's East Village, showcases Basquiat's unique style and his commentary on social issues, reflecting his rise from the streets to becoming a symbol of the American dream.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Jean-Michel Basquiat remains one of America's most influential contemporary artists, even more than 30 years after his death.
• 🏙️ The East Village of New York City in the 1970s and '80s was a vibrant hub for experimental music and art amidst issues like crime, drugs, and homelessness.
• 🎤 Basquiat was part of a unique group of artists from the East Village, including Kenny Scharf and Keith Haring.
• 🖼️ Basquiat's iconic style blends lines, figures, and handwritten text, often addressing themes of race, poverty, and politics.
• 💰 His untitled 1982 painting of a skull sold for more than $110 million, the highest price for any American artist at auction.
• 🖌️ Basquiat's use of language, collage, and assemblage in his artwork is unique and highly influential in the art world.
• 🏛️ A new exhibition at the Brant Foundation in New York features some of Basquiat’s most important works, drawing from global museums and private collections.
• 🎓 Friends describe being with Basquiat as a learning experience, where his combination of contrasting ideas and raw energy created powerful art.
• 💡 His work combined childlike innocence with charged themes like race and economic disparity, resonating with a broad audience.
• 🏛️ Basquiat's art is now showcased in prestigious museums, reflecting both his roots and the impact of wealth on his legacy, seen by some as a reflection of the American dream.

Q & A

Who is Jean-Michel Basquiat, and why is he significant in American contemporary art?

Jean-Michel Basquiat is considered one of America's most influential contemporary artists, known for his unique style that challenges views of race, poverty, and politics. His work combines graffiti with fine art, making him a symbol of cultural resistance.

What was the social and cultural environment of New York City's East Village in the 1970s and '80s?

In the 1970s and '80s, New York City's East Village was known for its experimental music and art scene, but it was also a place associated with drugs, crime, and homelessness. Tompkins Square Park was a central gathering place for the artists and others in the area.

How did Basquiat first gain recognition as an artist?

Basquiat first gained recognition through his graffiti tag 'SAMO' on the streets of New York, which became well-known by 1979. He then expanded beyond graffiti into other forms of art, quickly developing a unique style.

How did Basquiat's approach differ from other artists in the East Village at the time?

While many artists in the East Village were experimenting with their art and voice, Basquiat was more focused and determined to achieve fame. He knew early on that he wanted to be famous and pursued that goal with ambition.

What was the significance of Basquiat's combination of childlike imagery with deeper themes in his work?

Basquiat’s combination of childlike imagery with complex themes of race, economic disparity, and politics helped create a striking and effective visual style. This fusion allowed him to touch on sensitive and charged issues in a way that resonated with audiences.

What impact did Basquiat's death have on his reputation and the value of his work?

Since Basquiat's death in 1988 at age 27 from a heroin overdose, his reputation has grown significantly, with his works becoming highly sought after. His painting of a skull sold for over $110 million, making it the highest price ever paid for a work by an American artist.

What are some of the key works featured in the exhibition at the Brant Foundation Museum?

The exhibition features important works by Basquiat, including 'The Irony of a Negro Policeman' and 'Per Capita,' which reflect his exploration of race and politics, as well as lighter works like his paintings of famous boxers.

How does the exhibition reflect Basquiat's roots in the East Village and the broader changes in the area?

The exhibition at the Brant Foundation is housed in the East Village, Basquiat's old neighborhood, where he developed much of his work. However, the area has changed dramatically, with rising rents and new developments, reflecting the contrast between his street art origins and his current status in the art world.

Is there a disconnect between Basquiat's art being shown in high-end galleries and museums today?

Peter Brant, the founder of the museum, argues that there is no disconnect, saying that Basquiat's rise reflects the American dream. He believes that the museum gives people in the East Village a chance to see the work of someone who emerged from their neighborhood, despite his art now being sold for millions.

What influence did Basquiat have on his peers and the generation of artists he worked with?

Basquiat had a profound influence on his peers. His friend Michael Holman described being around him as attending 'Basquiat university,' where one could learn the power of combining disparate ideas and elements to create something new and impactful.