Basquiat

The book accompanying the major overview exhibition at the Schirn in Frankfurt. Basquiat emerged as a newcomer without formal training in late 1970s New York. The young man, who came from the post-punk underground scene of Lower Manhattan, is now considered one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Basquiat first gained fame through his mysterious graffiti created alongside artist Al Diaz under the pseudonym SAMO. He then worked in collage, Xerox art, postcards, performances, and music, before solidifying his reputation as one of the most significant painters of his generation. The book includes introductory essays that place Basquiat's practice in a broader art historical context and examine his career from a performance perspective. Six thematic chapters offer new research findings with essays from the Dic.