Jean-Michel Basquiat was a pioneering artist of the 20th century, known for his bold, raw and unapologetic style. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1960, Basquiat rose to fame in the early 1980s as a leading figure in the downtown New York art scene. He quickly became one of the most sought-after and influential artists of his generation, with his work commanding high prices and his name becoming synonymous with the very idea of "outsider art."

Basquiat's art is a powerful reflection of the social, political and cultural climate of the time. His work is marked by a raw energy, with bold lines and an often-graffiti-inspired aesthetic. He frequently incorporated text and imagery that dealt with issues of race, class, and power, as well as more personal themes such as identity, and his Haitian and Puerto Rican heritage.

Basquiat's early career began as a street artist under the pseudonym SAMO (same old shit) where he would make graffiti on the streets of NYC. His sudden rise to fame came from a series of exhibitions in the early 1980s, which brought his work to the attention of the art world. His first solo show was held in 1982 at the Annina Nosei Gallery in SoHo, New York.

Basquiat's work has been exhibited in some of the most prestigious museums and galleries around the world, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, and the Tate Modern in London. He has also been the subject of several retrospectives, which have further cemented his legacy as one of the most important artists of the 20th century.

Basquiat's career was cut short when he died of a drug overdose in 1988 at the young age of 27, but his impact on the art world lives on. He continues to inspire new generations of artists and remains one of the most iconic figures in contemporary art. His work continues to sell for millions of dollars at auction and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary artists.

In conclusion, Jean-Michel Basquiat was an artist who pushed the boundaries and defined the contemporary art scene of the 20th century. His work continues to inspire and influence generations of artists and his legacy will continue to live on. He was an artist who truly understood the power of art and used it to express his thoughts and ideas, leaving behind a powerful and enduring legacy.

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