This document provides a biography of Jean-Michel Basquiat, focusing on his early life and artistic career. It notes that he was born in 1960 to a Puerto Rican mother and Haitian father, and showed artistic talent from a young age. After his parents separated when he was 9, he dropped out of high school at 17 and lived on the streets, where he began selling art. His graffiti work with friend Al Diaz under the name SAMO gained attention. His paintings rose to fame in the 1980s Neo-expressionist and Punk Art movements before his untimely death from a heroin overdose at age 27. His legacy continues to inspire contemporary artists.

1. Mark Borghi
Zero to hero: The life of Jean-Michel Basquiat
AUGUST 30, 2017OCTOBER 17, 2017 / MARK BORGHI / LEAVE A COMMENT
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s life may have ended in a tragedy, especially at such a young age, but his contribution to
the art world is anything but tragic.
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basquiat_1.jpg)
Born in 1960 to an American-Puerto Rican mother and a Haitian father, Basquiat’s talent and affinity for art
were evident early in his life. His mother would always bring him to art museums and enrolled him in an arts-
oriented school.
Things took a turn, however, when his parents separated when he was nine years old. At age 17, he dropped out
of high school and left home. He slept on the streets, in abandoned buildings, or, if he was fortunate enough,
stayed with friends in Brooklyn.
His passion for art did not waver, though. He made a living by selling shirts and homemade postcards, while
also beginning a graffiti campaign together with friend Al Diaz. They did their work in New York under the
project SAMO.
His work received widespread a ention and began to emerge as one of the most well-known artists in the Neo-
expressionism and Punk Art movements. Notable art critic Rene Ricard’s article on Basquiat for Artforum
magazine helped jumpstart the young New York artist’s swift rise to fame.
It ended as quickly as it started, unfortunately, when Basquiat was found dead at his start studio due to heroin
overdose. He was only 27 years old when he passed away.
Still, his legacy in the art industry remains intact, serving as inspiration for contemporary artists.
Owner at Mark Borghi Fine Art, Inc.

2. Image source: artspace.com (h p://d5wt70d4gnm1t.cloudfront.net/media/a-s/artworks/jean-michel-
basquiat/19393-643638733547/jean-michel-basquiat-untitled-ernok-800x800.jpg)
Mark Borghi (h ps://www.crunchbase.com/person/mark-borghi) Fine Art is a leading art gallery, whose exhibitions have
featured the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat and many other popular artists. Click here (h p://borghi.org/gallery/) to read
more about the gallery.
The Three General Approaches of the Abstract
Expressionist Movement
AUGUST 16, 2017 / MARK BORGHI / LEAVE A COMMENT
Abstract expressionism provided artists a way to convey their creativity and artistic expression in a wide array
of styles and techniques. But even if it was known for being such a diverse art movement, abstract
expressionism was characterized by three general approaches:
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3. Action painting
Probably the most known of the three, action painting, also known as gestural abstraction, is defined by paint
spontaneously and loosely dripped or spilled onto the canvas. The brushstrokes or pa erns might seem like
they were dictated by chance, and while it is partially true, the painting is done with intent.
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Abstract Impressionism
Abstract Impressionism, also called color imagist or color field is considered the middle ground in abstract
expressionism, for it is less spontaneous and more structured than action painting and more dynamic or
expressive than the third approach. It is characterized by delicate imagery, fluid shapes, and almost calligraphic
pictures.
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Least expressive approach
This approach had no known name, but it is defined as the subtlest abstract expressionism style. By using well-
defined abstract images and large areas or fields of pure color, it is meant to evoke meditation and personal
reflection. The most prominent artists of this style (i.e. Adolph Go lieb, Mark Rothko, and Barne Newman),
explained, “We favor the simple expression of the complex thought.”
Mark Borghi (h ps://www.instagram.com/markborghi/) Fine Art operates three galleries in New York City,
Bridgehampton, and Palm Springs. The galleries feature post-war American arts. Learn more about its galleries and
exhibitions by visiting this website (h p://borghi.org/gallery/).
The Colors Of Hans Hofmann
JULY 12, 2017SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 / MARK BORGHI / LEAVE A COMMENT
His high-key pale e of reds, yellows, and greens has been observed by some as “too decorative”. Untroubled by
observations, Hans Hofmann—both a scientist and painter—explored the road of cubism and abstract art. And
just like the scientist that he was, he paved a new way for the style, and has become an influence to many artists’
work.

4. Image source:theartstory.org (h p://www.theartstory.org/images20/photo/hofmann_11.jpg)
Hans Hofmann was an artist and a teacher at the same time he was working on his notable paintings. His works
were heavily influenced by his respect for the laws of nature, and his paintings spoke well of his belief that a
human’s entire being is nourished by color.
Valuing travel and the importance of experiencing different landscapes led him to hold summer courses outside
the city. His passion for teaching and painting led his discovery towards having balance in his work. As a
teacher, he learned that he needed to be accurate about giving his students directions. And as an artist, he
focused on staying true to himself. He made sure that his students stayed true to themselves, as well.
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Although he was never a leader of any movement, hints of Hans Hofmann in 20th century paintings make for a
true report that he was indeed one of the most influential artists of the abstract expressionism movement. From
personally knowing Matisse and Picasso, to migrating to another continent to find the real expression of nature
through color, Hans Hofmann made himself a teacher his students dearly loved, and an artist worth thanking
for giving satisfaction to the soul.
Even after his passing, his paintings continue to shape artists around the world.
Mark Borghi (h p://markborghi.blogspot.com/) Fine Art presented Hans Hofmann: A Retrospective from November 2nd to
December 31st of 2014 in their gallery in Palm Springs, FL. Two other galleries are in New York, NY and Bridgehampton,
NY. Follow this website (h p://borghi.org/gallery/) for more updates.<
Artistic Pluralism:Appreciating Contemporary Art
MAY 20, 2017JUNE 30, 2017 / MARK BORGHI / LEAVE A COMMENT
Contemporary art is defined as the “art that has been and continues to be created during our lifetime.”
However, it should not be confused with its predecessor, modern art. Many authority figures in the arts
consider the delineation between contemporary and modern arts to be somewhere in the 1960s and 1970s
because it was during this time that the postmodern art began to emerge.

5. Image source:artreport.com (h p://artreport.com/file/2016/08/andy-warhol-pop-artist-pop-art.jpg)
It was also in the 1970s that the ease of classifying artistic movements into categories started to decline. More
and more artists branched out into different “movements” that cannot be categorized because there were only
about ten artists in any given “movement.”
Many of them also shunned the notion of mainstream art, instead accepting that there is a variety of artistic
themes and intentions. It gave rise to the concept of “artistic pluralism.”
Contemporary artists also found themselves inspired by the ever-changing global environment, the diverse
culture all around, and the continuous advancement of technology. These have allowed artists during the 1970s
until today to become more multifaceted, work in a wide selection of mediums, and express themselves without
being bounded by predefined artistic characteristics or styles.
Even the continuous progress of video technology gave birth to the concept of video art. Now, audiences can do
more than just view artistic creations – they are now able to experience it.
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This is just one example of the beauty of contemporary art, an art form that is continuing to evolve even up to
this day.
Mark Borghi (h ps://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-borghi-fine-art-inc) Fine Art showcases contemporary art and
modern art in three different galleries in New York and Florida. Visit this website (h p://borghi.org) for more details about
the art gallery.
Consumerism And Deconstruction In The Age Of
Pop Art
APRIL 12, 2017JUNE 28, 2017 / MARK BORGHI / LEAVE A COMMENT
Pop Art found its way in the mainstream during the ‘50s. Despite the arrival of subsequent movements in the
world of visual art, Pop Art continues to have an influence among art lovers and mass consumers alike.
Unfamiliar to many, there are other motivations beneath the vibrant and blatant images in Pop Art.

6. Image source:Allposters.com (h p://imagecache5d.allposters.com/watermarker/58-5891-6XEPG00Z.jpg?
ch=775&cw=773)
The ‘50s were a time when people were moving on from the atrocities of World War II. There was a boom in
culture, and a consumerist mentality was ingrained in the minds of those who belonged to this generation.
Thus, art became a way to entice people to spend more and amass more belongings. With straightforward
advertisements, mass audiences surrendered to their need to spend and own.
This phenomenon led artists to use the current trend to address what is being forgo en in their generation. By
using screen printing techniques, artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein addressed the consumerist
practices that seem to be overshadowing the culture. It was also a way to deconstruct what people were
becoming accustomed to. Taking a familiar element and reproducing it in different ways unse led audiences
and led them to think about their reality. Creating a print of a product like a soup can and framing it as an
artwork was a way to take an object out of its common context. This was a move that sha ered familiarity and
awakened interpretation.
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1963-andy-warhol.jpg)
The era’s shift in values and a generation’s seeming desire to drive their culture and economy forward exposed
a culture that adopted a materialistic and workaholic mentality. Pop Art showed that with this mindset, the
boundaries that set apart class struggles could be reconciled through art.
Mark Borghi (h ps://sites.google.com/site/markborghiny/) Fine Art was founded in New York City in 1998. Its founder,
Mark Borghi, subsequently opened a second gallery in Bridgehampton, New York, in 2004, which served as a summer
outpost with the same program as its flagship location, and another in Palm Springs, Florida, in 2011. Follow this Twi er
page (h ps://twi er.com/markborghi) for updates.
The Avant-Garde Movement: Understanding Its
Influence In Art And History

7. MARCH 30, 2017MARCH 30, 2017 / MARK BORGHI / LEAVE A COMMENT
A prevailing art movement in a particular era may not accept a certain aesthetic. This was the case for artists of
the Avant-garde movement who were cast aside by critics of what was then considered high art. Avant-garde,
which means “vanguard” in French, became art that was influenced by socialist ideas. Artists of this movement
believed that their works, aside from being creative outlets, had the power to educate and influence the masses
aside from being a creative outlet.
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In Zurich, Swi erland, the movement Dadaism exhibited anarchist and anti-bourgeois works. Founded by
Hugo Ball and Emmy Hennings, the group became a place where artists can explore their art without being
tainted by politics and other moralistic pa erns.
Unlike other eras in art, avant-garde and Dadaism didn’t just dwell on the visuals. Poetry and performance art
became key aspects of this era in modern art. Found visual art, unstructured verses, and interpretative pieces
characterized the movement. At this point, Avant-garde became a movement that sha ered the society’s
preconceived notions about what can be considered art.
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memory.jpg)
Perhaps one of the greatest contributions of this movement to the history of art is that it valued innovation and
expression over structure. It pushed the boundaries of the field that led to radical ideas. Moreover, it marked a
return to trusting an artist’s vision for his or her own work.
Mark Borghi (h ps://www.facebook.com/MarkBorghi.NY) Fine Art was founded in New York City in 1998. Its founder,
Mark Borghi, subsequently opened a second gallery in Bridgehampton, New York in 2004, which served as a summer
outpost with the same program as its flagship location, and another in Palm Springs, Florida in 2011. Visit this page
(h p://borghi.org/) for gallery updates.
Remembering The Enigma That Was Andy Warhol
FEBRUARY 15, 2017MARCH 16, 2017 / MARK BORGHI / LEAVE A COMMENT
When it comes to artistic expression in 20th century America, very few names are as mentioned as Andy
Warhol’s. He led pop art, which was a visual art movement in the mid-20th century, and came up with pieces
that depict the links between celebrities, advertising, and artistic expression. This movement was at its peak in
the 60s.

8. Image source: biography.com
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SF.jpg)
Warhol’s career took off when he became a commercial illustrator. He became famous, but he also, like
countless artists before him, became a figure of controversy. Warhol did many things when it came to his art. He
drew by hand, painted, printed, photographed, sculpted, directed movies, and even wrote songs, among others.
He called his art studio The Factory. It was very popular to people of different artistic inclinations. The Factory
was often the destination of choice of well-known intellectuals, writers, drag queens, people from the Bohemian
movement, Hollywood celebs, and many more.
One of his sideline works included managing the punk rock trailblazing band, The Velvet Underground. He
also set up Interview magazine and wrote many books.
Warhol was also openly gay, and he was at a time society didn’t accept it.
Image source: artchive.com (h p://utenti.romascuola.net/bramarte/pop%20art/img/war1.jpg)
Today, his influence is felt in almost every facet of artistic America. From exhibits, to books, to movies and
documentaries, Andy Warhol and his legacy endures. He even has a museum named after him in his home
town of Pi sburgh.
Mark Borghi (h ps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-borghi) is an art enthusiast and dealer, founding galleries in New York,
Bridgehampton, and Palm Springs. For more on his galleries, check out this page (h p://borghi.org/gallery/).
Mark Borghi
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