“Since I was 17 I thought I might be a star …”
Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988) was a groundbreaking American artist whose work fused graffiti, expressive painting, and poetic text, securing his place as one of the most influential figures in contemporary art. Born in Brooklyn to Haitian and Puerto Rican parents, he first gained attention in the late 1970s as a street artist in Lower Manhattan, signing his cryptic messages with the pseudonym "SAMO©." By the early 1980s, Basquiat had transitioned into the gallery world, where his canvases radiated frenetic energy, weaving together vivid imagery, enigmatic symbols, and incisive commentary on race, class, and power. Among his notable works is Flexible (1984/2016), a striking example of his bold visual language and raw emotional intensity.
Basquiat's meteoric ascent earned him recognition at major institutions, including exhibitions at the Whitney Museum, MoMA, and beyond. His collaborations-most famously with Andy Warhol-challenged the divide between street culture and fine art. Though his life was brief, his output was prodigious, and his works remain among the most sought after, held by leading museums and prestigious galleries worldwide. His enduring legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists, fueling conversations about identity, innovation, and the transformative power of visual language.
Jean-Michel Basquiat's original artworks are exceptionally rare and highly coveted. For collectors seeking a distinguished piece, we offer personalized guidance – please contact us to explore discreet acquisition opportunities. If you are seeking one of these rare masterpieces, we invite you to contact us to start a conversation.