Today marks Day 1 of our African American Artists series, and there’s no better way to kick things off than by celebrating the electrifying genius of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Basquiat was born in 1960 and rocketed onto the international art stage in the late 1970s and early ’80s. Despite his short career, he managed to shape—and shake—American art in a way few ever have.

Basquiat first gained attention for his graffiti art under the moniker “SAMO,” which means "Same Old" tagging the streets of New York with cryptic messages that spoke of raw, urban realities. This street perspective, combined with an innate talent for powerful expression, quickly propelled him into the city’s burgeoning avant-garde scene.

He eventually moved from walls to canvases, capturing the energy and defiance of street art in a traditional gallery setting—an unorthodox transition that turned heads worldwide. By his early twenties, Basquiat was collaborating with icons like Andy Warhol and redefining what it meant to be a young, Black artist thriving in a predominantly white art world.

Basquiat is most commonly associated with Neo-Expressionism—a movement known for its wild brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and emotionally charged content. He merged frantic lines, bold text, and symbolic imagery to comment on issues like race, identity, and class. His canvases often featured crowns, skeletal figures, and references to pop culture, seamlessly blending high art with gritty street influences.

Basquiat’s influence goes far beyond galleries and museums:

• Breaking Barriers: He was a young Black artist who shattered boundaries in an industry where artists of color were severely underrepresented.
• Street Meets Fine Art: By bringing graffiti culture into major art institutions, Basquiat bridged the gap between underground street expression and the elite art world.
• Social Commentary: His work spoke directly to cultural and political issues, making him not only an artist but also a commentator on the social realities of the 1980s.
  

Although Basquiat tragically passed away at 27, his impact lingers in the spheres of fashion, music, and modern art. His provocative style and fearless approach continue to inspire new generations, reminding us that art is at its most powerful when it tells the unvarnished truth.