Transatlantic Dialogue:  Art in and Out of Africa
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with strings part 2

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988) has been described as one of the most famous African Americans to emerge on the art scene in the twentieth century. His parents emigrated from Haiti and Puerto Rico, and he came of age in the multi-ethnic streets of New York City. Basquiat began his career as a graffiti artist in the late 1970s when the hip-hop culture emerged. His graffiti appeared on walls and subway cars, accompanied by his signature tag, SAMO. Basquiat's first solo gallery exhibition was in 1981 in Modena, Italy.

Basquiat's work often revolved around themes of the African Diaspora. In 1986, he exhibited his paintings in Côte d'Ivoire and visited the home village of the artist Ouattara. Soon after, Basquiat became acquainted with the African artist's work on exhibit in Paris. The two developed a bond and supported each other's artistic careers.

Jean-Michel Basquiat died tragically in 1988, yet his legacy survives in his paintings, which often include written commentary, bright colors, ideograms and abstract symbols.



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