First entering the Manhattan art scene at only 17 years old, Basquiat was essentially homeless. His art expression began with a poetry style graffiti painted on various structures as his urban canvas. He and a friend tagged themselves as "Samo" and decorated the city with poetic stanzas and multiple choice questions as their art.
Although he was becoming more well known, the young graffiti artist was completely broke, with no job, and no home to call his own. When interviewed by Becky Johnston, he was quoted as saying "...you just end up surviving." His survival at the time may have been based on the success he had in being accepted into Manhattan creative circles, such as the 'Downtown 500'. He was even cast in a film entitled "Downtown 81".
He was seen by many as very sophisticated for a child. When he began to paint, the messages conveyed were deep and complex, yet he chose to use child-like techniques when holding the brush, creating an unusual style all his own, with an undeniable 'underground' feel.
His connections with the creative New York scene allowed him to sell his first painting, to none another than Deborah Harry. His frequent clubbing also introduced him to celebrity friends such as Madonna and Keith Herring. Through his work and his social life, he was achieving his dream of becoming famous. Some might say 'too famous' for this 'Radiant Child'.
There were many people influential in the fame of Jean-Michel Basquiat. One of these people was Annina Nosei, a New York gallery owner. She recognized Basquiat's talents and opened up the basement of her gallery for him to use as a studio (and, it was assumed, a place to live as well). She also helped him by giving him his first show, in which every painting sold, earning the artist $200,000.
Another influential person for Basquiat was Bruno Bischofberger, who became an exclusive dealer for the young artist. He helped boost Basquiat to international fame as he helped him open exhibits around the world in places such as Switzerland, Italy and Japan.
The museums such as the Museum of Modern Art also had an impact on Basquiat. Museums initially rejected his Neo-Expressionism paintings, and largely misunderstood the paintings of the young artists. Ann Temkin, Chief Curator at the Museum of Modern Art remembers him, when she reveals, " Chances are, if it's really significant, it will be uncomfortable to somebody like myself, because I am so immersed in what painting, up until now, looked like. And with Basquiat, many art professionals had skepticism about what he was doing, because the paintings didn't necessarily fit their idea of a museum painting. And yet, of course, that's exactly what's necessary in order to create the art of the future." This rejection and the depression it caused, may have contributed to the artist's use of heroin.
Basquiat's friendship with Andy Warhol also helped the artist become more recognizable. Basquiat first met Warhol when he gave him some of postcards he created. Basquiat was a big fan of the already famous artist, and created a painting for him, entitled "Dos Cabezas", soon after they met.
The two spent much of their time together in social circles and developed a close friendship. The artists eventually collaborated together in a critically unsuccessful art venture. This very public rejection affected their relationship and Basquiat somewhat severed ties with Warhol. It was said that he was crushed at this choice when he learned that Warhol had died, and he hadn't had the chance to repair how he had left his friendship.
The journey from the streets to celebrity in just a few short years certainly took it's toll on the young artist. His later work became dark, dealing with issues such as racial discrimination and even death. People who knew him say he eventually became paranoid, lonely and even more depressed. His life was obviously reaching an intense level.
In the end, it was drugs that took the life of this young, creative soul. I feel the film did an incredible job of revealing the short life of this rising (& falling star). And before this film, I hadn't even heard of his work. As I mentioned before, his style may not be one that I normally would enjoy, but it's the story behind the artist that influenced me the most.
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