Irony of a Negro Policeman, 1981

Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988) was a groundbreaking American artist who rose from the streets of New York to global acclaim in the early 1980s. Beginning as a graffiti artist under the name SAMO, Basquiat brought a raw, powerful visual language to the art world — combining text, symbols, skulls, crowns, and cultural references in a frenetic, expressive style.

His work challenges racial injustice, class power, and the commodification of Black culture, often blending elements of jazz, African heritage, and anatomical imagery. Though his career was brief, Basquiat’s influence on contemporary art, fashion, and culture remains profound.

Today, his work is exhibited in the most prestigious institutions, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and cultural disruptors.