Jean-Michel Basquiat once said, "I don't listen to what art critics say. I don't know anybody who needs a critic to find out what art is." This rebellious spirit is a key reason why the Brooklyn-born artist of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent remains an enigmatic and influential figure in contemporary art. His meteoric rise in the mid-80s New York art scene and untimely death at 27 aplified his legend, making him a posthumous icon whose works continue to captivate and inspire.
Before he became known by his name, Basquiat gained fame under the pseudonym "SAMO," tagging buildings across New York City with cryptic texts and musings alongside his high school friend Al Diaz. This mysterious persona attracted the downtown art scene's interest, leading Basquiat to reveal himself as SAMO and transition into the art world in the late 70s. Influenced by his multicultural heritage and the urban landscape, Basquiat's early works blended graffiti, poetry, and social commentary.
In 1979, Basquiat's path crossed with Andy Warhol at the W.P.A. restaurant on Manhattan’s Spring Street. Introducing himself as an aspiring artist, Basquiat supposedly sold Warhol a postcard he had made for a dollar. Their complicated relationship began a few years later when art dealer Bruno Bischofberger formally introduced them, sparking one of the art world's most iconic collaborations. Around the same time, Basquiat was dating the rising musician Madonna and sold his first significant piece to Debbie Harry for $200. He was a central figure in the burgeoning scene that would define modern art and culture for the following decades.
In 1988, Basquiat died of a drug overdose, but not before producing over 600 paintings and 1,500 drawings, which continue to fetch astronomical sums at auctions. His works have consistently commanded high prices, peaking in 2021 with sales reaching $439.6 million. Basquiat's market remains robust, with notable sales like "El Gran Espectáculo (The Nile)" fetching $67.1 million and "Untitled" selling for $110.5 million at Sotheby's in 2017, setting a record for the most expensive work by an American artist. In May 2023, his painting "Cabeza" sold for $107,950 at Sotheby's, achieving 25% over the high estimate.
Basquiat's posthumous allure is fueled by his continued cultural impact beyond the visual arts. He has been referenced in music, fashion, and film, with celebrities like Jay-Z and Leonardo DiCaprio among his admirers and collectors. The consistently high auction prices and secondary market for Basquiat's works underscore his status as a sound investment. His work's raw style and commentary on issues like racism, social inequality, and identity resonate deeply in today's socio-political climate. Basquiat's art is celebrated not just for its aesthetic brilliance but also for its profound ability to challenge and provoke thought, securing his place among great artists whose work transcends time.