Jean-Michel Basquiat's Radical Visual Poetry in Four Works

“Since I was seventeen, I thought I might be a star”, Basquiat wrote, and at the age of 22 he was thrust into the Contemporary Art spotlight. Join Michael Macaulay, Senior International Specialist, Contemporary Art, in an exploration of four works that highlight how Basquiat channeled the explosive energy of his early street art into the staggeringly intense canvases of his mature career. From a large scale collaboration between Basquiat and Andy Warhol to a hauntingly reductive figure painted shortly before the artist’s death, these works chronicle the mastery of language, medium, and form that transformed Basquiat from street artist to internationally recognized icon. Explore these pieces and more in Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Evening Auction. (14 November | New York)

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[therossauger]

So great to see a side angle of the paintings. The texture of his work is completely lost in prints and books.

[ernarusyani]

We don't need rule to making art...just paint from your heart

[patw.]

his work reminds me of notebook drawings you make when you feel like the course doesn't apply to you.

[petemavus]

Succinct summary and video of 4 synoptic connections to Jean Michael Basquat's justified place in the annals of Art History, despite his rapid involvement and meteoric journey, no matter how brief. Like me enjoying this video, I like to think he's smiling as we ride through the city, just glad to be alive and know the joy of a love made REAL.

[nifemiwilliamart]

I wish I can think like him just for a day

[bashisobsolete.pythonismyn]

The canteen radio emits commercial Pop tunes while a factory worker absent mindedly doodles on yesterday's newspaper.

[AXA]

@1:19 The authenticity of some of these are highly questionable;. Look closely -- many movements are uncharacteristic, if not wholly opposed to Basquiat's well-established technique.

[oliveraudales]

"He brings the street art into the gallery and presents it to a much wider audience".

That's just plain nonsense, how can there be a much wider audience in a gallery than in a public space? Must've meant "a much whiter audience".

[AXA]

Authenticity of some of these are highly questionable. Look closely -- some movements are uncharacteristic, if not wholly opposed to Basquiat's well-established technique.

[decnijfkris]

The problem with this guy is that he is black. They never spoke at school about Basquiat although it was worthwhile.

[CaptianJC]

This is not art. This is disturbing. The mind of a mad man.

[thomasromano]

Try as I might..
And I have tried, but I can't view this "art" as anything more than scribbling. I know I will be told that I am blind. I would love for someone to explain the "genius " here. I think most people are afraid, like me, to say that they just dont get it.

[bksaviorable]

Y'all are a "private European collection." In what code of morals should you be allowed to have a say-so on black American diaspora aesthetics.