Born in Brooklyn, New York, Jean-Michel Basquiat first gained public attention in the late 1970s as one half of the graffiti duo SAMO. He transitioned to the gallery scene in the early 1980s, quickly becoming a defining voice of the neo-expressionist movement through his rapid rise in the New York art world.

His work is characterized by a distinctive use of oilstick, acrylic, and collage, often featuring recurring motifs such as the human head, crowns, and skeletal figures. His practice frequently explored themes of power, identity, and historical critique, blending street art aesthetics with a sophisticated approach to composition and color.

Decades after his death, Basquiat remains a subject of intense institutional focus. Recent exhibitions, such as the 2026 presentation at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, continue to highlight previously lesser-known bodies of work, including his early 1980s oilstick drawings, while his pieces remain staples in major museum collections and curated installations globally.