Design Blog W3

Michael Nyadimo

Hextrum

FAA331

1/30/20

                                                      Design Homework Week 3

Jean Michel Basquiat is known throughout the world for his graffiti art that made him famous in the 1980s. His Graffiti Art was more than just a calamity of work as they had different meanings. It is the meanings that made his work successful many times which also included the way his paintings were illustrated. His artwork referenced many things that were personal to him and his heritage.

Basquiat grew up with a Haitian father and Puerto Rican mother which would give him all the inspiration he needed to create his work. An ongoing theme that you will see in his paintings or drawings is a crown. Many believe that the symbolism of the crown means that everyone has a different interpretation of how they see themselves or others. From Basquiat himself, he stated that the crown represents the many times that Africans have been depicted by western societies falsely while the crown represents a truth. The truth most likely is that they were more than victims.

Basquiat was not necessarily known for his paintings looking particularly clean and neat, but it did not stop others from taking notice. His work had a rough and primitive look to it which would be the reflection of the time he was living in. New York at the time had a Punk and Hip-Hop scene both of which were anti-establishment. So, in turn, Basquiat felt that he didn’t need to commit to a certain way people felt was best. It is what made him stand out from other artists.

Jean Michel Basquiat, unfortunately, passed away in 1988 due to a drug overdose but his art would eventually be remembered. His influence would extend beyond the world of art and would impact those in the music industry as well. Rock Bands like Living Color dedicated songs to him following his death. A singer by the name of “The Weekend” not only saw Basquiat’s art as an influence but, also saw his hair as inspiration as well. Basquiat’s hair freely forming connects with his art as no matter what he decided to do with either one, they would end forming into something beautiful.