Jean-Michel Basquiat was an American graffiti artist born in Brooklyn, New York in 1960. From a young age, his parents exposed him to art, music, and theater which inspired his love of drawing. He began his career drawing graffiti and went on to create large, colorful paintings featuring images like teeth, Native Americans, and crowns that portrayed his unique perspective on the world in a funny, angry, or sad way. Though he became quickly successful, Basquiat died young at age 27, leaving behind a short but influential body of work.

1. Jean-Michel Basquiat
American Graffiti ArtistAmerican Graffiti Artist
1960 - 19881960 - 1988

2. Jean-Michel was born
in Brooklyn, a
neighborhood in New
York City.
His parents took him to
see art, music and
theater.

4. From the time he
was 4 years old he
loved drawing.

5. He left home
when he was a
teenager.
He sold postcards
and T-shirts to
survive.
He made this
drawing when he
was 18.

6. He began his career drawing on buildings –
graffiti to most people.

7. Words,

8. Television,

9. Jazz,

10. And sports, all made their way into his
paintings.

11. Images like teeth,

12. Native Americans,

13. And crowns can often be found in his huge
paintings.

14. The crown is his
symbol for himself
as well as a
symbol of respect
for other figures in
his work .

15. His paintings can be funny,

16. Angry,

17. Or sad.

18. He quickly became successful in the art world.
He loved being famous.

19. He often gave away his paintings to friends.

20. One of his good friends was Andy Warhol.
Andy painted the Jean-Michel’s portrait.

21. In his short lifetime, he showed the world the
way he saw it,

22. Crowded,

23. Funny,

24. Scary,

25. But always real.

26. This is a self-portrait
of Jean-Michel
Basquiat.

27. Life didn’t frighten him at all.
Jean-Michel Basquiat was only 27 when he died.