Jean Michel Basquiat Research Paper

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Exploring Modern Day Artists: Jean- Michel Basquiat Jean- Michel Basquiat also known as SAMO, is an amazing and inspirational modern day artist known for his neo-expression graffiti and paintings which consist of distinctive symbols, diagrams and a series of imagery which symbolized his heritage, struggles through life, and a new youthful movement which inspired experimental artist to express themselves. Being the descendant of Haitian and Puerto Rican ancestry, Basquiat’s diverse culture is a main factor behind his creative tactics and his artwork. Basquiat was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 22, 1960. His father was Haitian-American, Gerard Basquiat with an occupation of an accountant and his mother Matilde Basquiat was Puerto Rican As his fame continued to grow, his art work developed a sort of sophistication and prestige. Basquiat began to expand his work by attending art festivals and events in other states and countries than just New York. One of his favorite places to visit was Africa.“This expansive work of the 1980’s compresses together the relationship of Egypt to Africa, with reference to more local centers of African-American music within southern culture (www.theartstory.org). Instead of displaying his work with the streets of New York, He exhibited his artwork in various places throughout the world, especially at the Kestner-Gesellschaft Gallery in Hanover, Germany.“His work and style received critical acclaim for the fusion of words, symbols, stick figures, and animals. His painting came to be adored by an art loving public…”(biography.com). The expansion of Basquiat work had become world wide topic that gained many art observers and critics The composition of the piece is combined with pictures of President Kennedy, geometrical shapes and superheros such as Captain America, Iron Man and Thor. The piece itself does not really show movement, but the images all relate because of the viewing of media, politics and social awareness that Basquiat wanted to express to the art world. The color variation of this piece embraces a bit of pop art, which indicates the huge influence that Andy Warhol had on Basquiat at the time. A Lot of the clip pictures are bold but their color schemes are different such as the President Kennedy's picture contrast with the superhero clippings contrast within dark red and light red with Kennedy’s picture .The mood of the painting expresses sadness and despair, but eagerness for hope. During the 1960’s, President Kennedy was assassinated. Basquiat viewed him as an idol which shows why his picture takes up most of this art piece.. At the time, Kennedy represented change and hope, something that Basquiat had difficulty coping with with heroin

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