Basic Information About Jean-Michel Basquiat
| Category | Business › Designers |
|---|---|
| Professions | Artist, Painter, Poet, Street artist, Musician, Music Producer |
| Net worth | $10,000,000 |
| Date of birth | 1960-12-22 |
| Place of birth | Brooklyn |
| Date of death | 1988-08-12 (aged 27) |
| Nationality | United States of America |
| Gender | Male |
| Social Media | ↗︎ Wikipedia |
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Net Worth Details
Jean-Michel Basquiat, the renowned artist of the neo-expressionist movement in the 198s, had an impressive net worth. At the peak of his career, Basquiat earned millions of dollars per year. However, it should be noted that despite his financial success, his lifestyle was far from extravagant. Basquiat led a humble existence, often compared to that of a homeless person. At the time of his death in 1988, his net worth was estimated to be around $10 million. This figure includes both the value of his artworks during his lifetime and their current market value.
Biography
What is Jean-Michel Basquiat known for?
Jean-Michel Basquiat was an influential artist who gained prominence for his unique artistic style and expressive compositions. His work combined elements of drawing, painting, poetry, and historical references to tackle significant issues like race, poverty, segregation, class struggle, colonialism, and the Black experience. Basquiat’s art resonated with audiences around the world, making him a pivotal figure in the art scene of the 198s.
Early life and education
Jean-Michel Basquiat was born on December 22, 196, in Brooklyn, New York City. He was the second of four children in his family. His parents, Gérard, a Haitian immigrant, and Matilde, of Puerto Rican descent, had a profound influence on his artistic development. Basquiat’s mother frequently took him to local art museums, nurturing his passion for art from an early age. She even enrolled him as a junior member at the Brooklyn Museum of Art.
Basquiat’s artistic talent began to emerge at a young age. By the age of four, he had already learned to read and write. In 1967, he started attending Saint Ann’s School, where he collaborated with his friend Marc Prozzo to create a children’s book. Despite experiencing a tragic accident at the age of seven when he was hit by a car, Basquiat’s artistic spirit remained undeterred.
Career
Basquiat’s artistic journey gained traction when he emerged as part of the Manhattan graffiti duo known as SAMO. Alongside his friend Al Diaz, Basquiat used the pseudonym SAMO to create satirical graffiti art on buildings across Lower Manhattan. Their thought-provoking works quickly gained media recognition, with an article about the duo published in the Village Voice in 1978. Basquiat continued to showcase his talents on public access television shows and through music, founding the noise rock band Test Pattern in 1979.
By the late ’70s, Basquiat’s artistic presence expanded beyond the streets and into the galleries. His paintings caught the attention of art dealers and collectors, resulting in exhibitions and shows throughout the early ’80s. Basquiat’s fame skyrocketed with participation in renowned exhibitions such as ‘The Times Square Show’ and ‘documenta.’ His collaborations with iconic artist Andy Warhol marked another significant milestone in his career, although their joint exhibition received mixed reviews.
Despite his success, Basquiat battled with mental health issues, leading to substance abuse problems. By the mid-’80s, he was making a staggering $1.4 million annually. However, his mental state deteriorated over time, causing him to become reclusive and heavily reliant on drugs.
Final Years
In 1986, Basquiat showcased his work worldwide, exhibiting in cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, Salzburg, the Ivory Coast, and Hannover. Unfortunately, his mental and physical health declined rapidly. Despite attempts at sobriety, Basquiat lost his life to a heroin overdose in August 1988. He was found unresponsive in his Manhattan home by his girlfriend, Kelle Inman. Basquiat’s passing caused shockwaves in the art community, considering his immense talent and potential.
Basquiat’s legacy endures through his remarkable body of work, which includes approximately 1,500 drawings, 600 paintings, and numerous sculptures and mixed-media pieces. His art has only grown in popularity and value since his death.
Achievements
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s artistic contributions have left an indelible mark on the art world. His talent and unique style garnered recognition throughout his career.
- Basquiat’s artwork has been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide.
- In 2017, one of Basquiat’s paintings, ‘Untitled,’ was sold at a Sotheby’s auction for a record-breaking $110.5 million. This sale set a new benchmark for the highest price ever paid for a work by an American artist.
- Basquiat’s work continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists around the globe.
- He has been commemorated with a plaque in Manhattan, honoring his memory and artistic contributions.
- The 13th arrondissement of Paris also has a public square named after Basquiat, reflecting his international influence.
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s ingenious creativity and his ability to address important social issues through art solidify his status as a true artistic icon. His work remains relevant and highly valued, captivating audiences and inspiring future generations of artists.
