Jean-Michel Basquiat by Richard Marshall is a comprehensive monograph exploring the life and work of the groundbreaking American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988). Published just a few years after Basquiat’s untimely death, the book serves as both an introduction and a critical examination of his explosive career, from his early days as a graffiti artist under the tag “SAMO” to his meteoric rise in the 1980s New York art scene.
Marshall, a curator who worked closely with Basquiat, provides insightful commentary on the artist’s fusion of street culture, African-American history, jazz, and modernist influences. The book features high-quality reproductions of Basquiat’s most iconic paintings, drawings, and notebooks, showcasing his raw, expressive style and layered symbolism.
Key themes include Basquiat’s critiques of racism, colonialism, and consumerism, as well as his collaborations with Andy Warhol and his struggle with fame. The monograph remains an essential resource for understanding Basquiat’s impact on contemporary art and his enduring legacy as a visionary of his generation.
