What happened to Basquiat?

Despite attempts at sobriety, Basquiat died at 27 years old of a heroin overdose at his home on Great Jones Street in Manhattan on August 12, 1988.

Why did Basquiat often cross out words?

The notion of exclusion or excision is reiterated in the way that Basquiat often crossed out words or phrases in his works. The technique, he explained, was actually meant to direct attention to them: “I cross out words so you will see them more; the fact that they are obscured makes you want to read them.”

What was special about Jean-Michel Basquiat?

Jean-Michel Basquiat, (born December 22, 1960, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.—died August 12, 1988, New York City), American painter known for his raw gestural style of painting with graffiti-like images and scrawled text.

Why is Jean-Michel Basquiat important?

Jean-Michel Basquiat gained celebrity due to both his striking art and his electrifying personality. He was fearless, creative and driven, quickly becoming a cultural icon embodying the New York City art scene of the 1980s and beyond.

Where did Matilde and Gerard Basquiat come from?

Matilde had been born into Brooklyn’s thriving Puerto Rican community, while Gerard had immigrated from his native Haiti. The Basquiat’s first son, Max, passed on shortly before Jean-Michel’s birth, so Jean-Michel grew up the eldest of three Basquiat children.

Who was the friend of Jean Michel Basquiat?

David Bowie is perfection as Jean Michel Basquiat’s friend and mentor, Andy Warhol. Michael Wincott sheds his usual grovel-voiced tough guy persona to play Basquiat’s first flamboyantly feminine art dealer.

Who was Jean Michel Basquiat’s gallery in Soho?

Mary Boone, whose prominent gallery in SoHo represented Mr. Basquiat for four years, has another view. She called him a talented but erratic artist, often distracted by the glittery art world that seized on his work in the early 1980’s.

Where did Basquiat live in Thompkins Square Park?

Starting out as a street artist, living in Thompkins Square Park in a cardboard box, Basquiat becomes a star and a part of Andy Warhol ‘s art world circle. But success has a price, and Basquiat pays with friendships, love, and eventually, his life. Written by Martin Lewison