Within the modern world of art, there are few names more prolific than Jean-Michel Basquiat. The American artist rose to prominence in the 1980s, and since then, his works have captivated audiences not only in the US but around the world. While he sadly passed away in 1988 at the early age of 27, his legacy lives on through his thought-provoking, inspiring work.
Today, Basquiat’s historic work continues to find resounding success in galleries and auctions as art collectors and enthusiasts alike vie against each other to bring a treasured piece home. But what makes Basquiat’s work so special and sought after compared to many of his contemporaries? Let’s take a look.
Who Is Jean-Michel Basquiat?
Before diving into the appeal of his art, it’s important to understand that, to many, Basquiat is so much more than his art. He is a modern icon and visionary who built his career on uncensored interpretations of various social issues, using his artistic voice and vision to decry the injustices he viewed in the world. As a self-taught, unrestricted artist, his rise from a NYC graffiti artist to a worldwide superstar is inspiring.
To the wider public, he set himself apart from other contemporary artists by embracing the recognition he gained and living like a celebrity, not like a humble, overly sophisticated, or snobbish artist. Candid interviews conducted during his lifetime showed him speaking and acting like any normal person would, giving him a special appeal that elites at the time couldn’t compete with.
He was also spontaneous and mischievous. When he created a piece named “DaVinci’s Greatest Hits,” one that deeply focused on human anatomy and form, he was asked why he wanted to focus on that subject in particular. His response was simply, “I felt like it.” Yet in spite of his casual demeanor, his life and work showed his profound intellect as he took inspiration from past greats, incorporated academic resources into his work, and tackled difficult societal issues by reducing them to relatively basic forms.
While his work didn’t reach the height of its popularity until after his passing, Basquiat is remembered for so much more than his work, and this helps to explain why he is a beloved figure. Understanding the man is crucial for understanding the art, which enhances its appeal.
What Makes Basquiat’s Work So Valuable?
Thought-provoking, boundary-pushing, and emotional. These are some of the many ways that Basquiat’s work sets itself apart from the crowd. There are two main aspects of his work that are unique and grounds for celebration and high valuation by collectors – his genre-smashing style and profound themes.
An Innovative Style
Taking a look at a Basquiat painting will leave many with a sense of awe and possibly confusion. With vivid colors, twisted forms of recognizable objects and beings, and words incorporated into many of the works, there is a lot to digest in a single piece. As a neo-expressionist, Basquiat produced work that is rough around the edges, so to speak, abstract and incredibly subjective.
But even when compared to other neo-expressionists, Basquiat has a style that stands apart. His works are like jumbled thoughts sewn together, but amidst the chaos is purpose and an intentional attempt to capture the viewer’s emotion. No one before or since has created art in such a fashion, and this uniqueness gives his work high value.
Engrossing Themes
As mentioned before, Basquiat was a thinker and yearned to explore a wide array of topics in his art. From the history of art itself to social issues, he dove into topics headfirst to explore them in their entirety.
Some of the most profound pieces he created contend with issues such as consumerism, classism, racism, and marginalization due to slavery. His work isn’t afraid to question or speak out against the injustices he saw and raise awareness of them through provocative imagery. Throughout his life and even now, decades after his death, these subjects are as vital as ever and resonate strongly with critics, collectors, and enthusiasts.
Basquiat’s Appeal in Art Galleries
Basquiat’s works frequently find themselves in high-end galleries, so if you’re curious about the market around them, Joshua Kodner Galleries can help. We specialize in fine art and jewelry, and we have assisted countless clients with procuring items they seek and properly valuing their treasures. Our team is full of knowledgeable experts who pride themselves on fair evaluations. To learn more, we welcome you to contact us at your earliest convenience!
