Special Sub-Topic: Basquiat, Part I Click Here To Play: Basquiat, Part I

What nationality is Basquiat's father?

Haitian. Although Basquiat's background consists of Puerto Rican and Haitian descent, he recognized himself as a Black man in the American landscape, and his paintings reflect that plight.

How did the artist die?

Drug overdose. The artist dealt with drugs during his entire career, and eventually fell victim to heroin in 1988.

Before being featured in galleries, how was Basquiat recognized in the New York art world?

Graffiti artist. Basquiat's SAMO identity was created to get himself and his partner Al Diaz known in the NY streets as artists, including sayings and quotes rather than general graffiti tags. As his career developed, he desired to focus on his paintings rather than his SAMO history.

Of the following descriptions, which is not commonly used in the art world to describe the style of Basquiat's paintings?

Analytical. Because of Basquiat's untaught style, many critics have labeled his work as tribal, primitive, child-like, or ethnic, rather than appreciating the works for their concepts and approaches. These appreciations are sometimes noted, but mostly overlooked.

Which writer, who stated that he could make Basquiat famous, had an article in a 1981 issue of "Artforum" discussing the artist?

Rene Richard. Rene Richard's article "Radiant Child" discusses both Basquiat and Keith Haring, another famous graffiti artist during the early 80s. Haring was the person Richard refers to as the "Radiant Child" in the article, not Basquiat.

This 1981 Basquiat painting depicts a monstrous male figure, in police uniform, with a black skull like head, and the letters P A W forming near the bottom of the canvas. What work is this?

"Irony of Negro Policeman". Most of Basquiat's works examine some aspect of Black life, especially Black male identity. This work seems to either comment on the negative relationship that existed (and still exists) between the Black community and law enforcement, or the ironic positions black male law enforcers are placed in comparison to the black community they are often placed against.

Basquiat has been quoted saying his work deals with "royalty, heroism, and the streets". To exemplify this concept, he often adorned figures in his works with what object?

Crowns. Basquiat told Henry Geldzahler that his art is about three things; "Royalty, heroism, and the streets". This sentiment is constantly recalled by the presence of crowns that seem to occupy many of the Basquiat's paintings. Although serpents, blood, and halos play a large part of Basquiat's work, they don't exemplify this, his works' concept, like the crown does.

In a biography of the artist, "A Quick Killing in Art", Basquiat is compared to a destructive musician, whom the artist admired and painted in some of his works, including "Worthy Constituent". Who was this musician?

Charlie Parker. In the biography "A Quick Killing in Art" by Phoebe Hoban, Hoban compared the dramatic, intense, and tragic careers of Basquiat and Parker, finding incredible comparisons including their taste in women, their drug addictions, and the quick and famous careers they endured.

What 60s artist's career was revitalized after he worked with Basquiat in the 80s?

Andy Warhol. Warhol and Basquiat's relationship became a personal friendship, and after Warhol's death, it has been noted that Basquiat's drug problem increased severely, culminating in his fatal overdose.

What is the name of the art movement that Basquiat's work is generally classified as?

Neo-Expressionism. Basquiat, and other artists including as Francesco Clemente and Julian Schnabel, were identified as Neo-Expressionist, as their art focused around expression of identifiable forms and bold colors.

What New York gallery did Basquiat work out of at the height of his career? This gallery also featured Warhol, and other big time 80s artists, in addition to Basquiat's famous 1984 solo show.

Mary Boone Gallery. The artist started out in the Annina Nosei gallery, but as his fame, and demand for his work, increased, he left Nosei for the Mary Boone Gallery. It is noted that Nosei and Basquiat had a destructive relationship full of financial drama.

In the loosely biographical film, "Basquiat", Basquiat, played by Jeffrey Wright, is seen in several scenes giving away these to his friends, associates, and other artists. It is noted that he actually did this, which caused him some conflict. What is he shown freely giving away throughout the film?

works of art. In the movie "Basquiat", Basquiat is shown giving away his art to many people, from fellow artists and their relatives, to his friends. One particular scene shows Basquiat giving away a painting to gallery owner Bruno Bischofberger (played by Dennis Hopper) that he originally gave to art critic Rene Richard (played by Michael Wincott), which ended their friendship in the film.

Basquiat's art is often confounding, with multiple depictions and various meanings. Some critics have a hard time analyzing his work, but one aspect found in many of his paintings makes the process of analysis a bit easier. What is included in many of his paintings?

words. Most of Basquiat's paintings are full of text, sometimes in different languages, sometimes repeated. Basquiat's way with words plays an important part in the dynamic of his paintings, and the viewers' understanding of the work's message.

This 1988 painting depicts a lonesome and morbid black figure riding the back of a skeletal beast. It was created in the same year as the artist's death. What is the painting's name?

"Riding with Death". One of Basquiat's last pieces, this morbid painting might depict the state of mind that Basquiat was in during his later days. It is noted that after the death of Andy Warhol, Basquiat was never the same, as he had not spoken to Warhol in some time prior to his death, and resented their falling out.

What's the name of the film Basquiat starred in during the 80s, documenting the art and music scene of New York City during that time?

"Downtown 81". "Downtown 81" features the artist doing what he did best early in his career -- tagging. The film is not limited to him, however: other artists, musicians, and important people are featured in the film.