Jean-Michel Basquiat, proves his legendary stance, as his painting is brought to market. “Hardware Store,” painted in 1983, has been under wraps for over 30 years but has now made its way to Art Basel in Switzerland. Showcased for the first time, this is Art Basel’s most expensive piece to date; valued at $40 million Measuring approximately 7 feet tall and 11 feet wide, this diptych piece is Basquiat’s largest of its style.
Who was Jean-Michel Basquiat?
Jean-Michel Basquiat, known as the “OG of graffiti,” was born in Brooklyn, New York on Dec., 22, 1960. Critics began to take notice of his artwork and the messages that came with it. His controversial style of painting with graffiti-like images and screwed text embodied that of rebellion. Early childhood traumas led to Basquiat to dropping out of high school and leaving home at age 17. Together with graffiti artists Al Diaz and Shannon Dawson, they formed SAMO. The trio began a graffiti campaign around New York City. Emerging at the age of 20, Basquiat participated in his first formal public exhibition, “The Times Square Show” (1980). The post-graffiti moment in 1980s New York City marked the transition of street art from city walls and subway trains to canvas and into the art world. Thus was the beginning of what would make him the face of Hip Hop culture.
Basquiat and His Mark on Hip Hop
Basquiat’s work has been mentioned in some of your favorite hip hop artists’ music and noticed in several artistic cultural endeavors. Jay-Z raps, “I got Basquiat’s in the lobby of my spot,” in his 2008 hit, “Ain’t I”. Other hip hop artists, also mention the late street artists work. His importance to the culture stems from his collaborations with Andy Warhol and Francesco Clemente. His work addressed his childhood with child-like drawings like “Pez Dispenser”, which shows his depiction of a tyrannosaurus rex and a crown hovering over it. In translation, he illustrated the oppression of blacks but in turn shows power and dominance they possess. His problems with homelessness were relatable in the black community. This wave of hip hop artists showed the world that the black culture was something to be celebrated.
Controversy After Death
Jean-Michel Basquiat died of a drug overdose on Aug., 12, 1988. In May 2017, a Japanese billionaire bought “Untitled,” a 1982 painting of a skull, for $110.5 million at a Sotheby’s auction. It was also the highest price for a painting by Basquiat and by a Black artist.
This year’s Tiffany ad campaign features Beyoncé and Jay-Z in front of a never before seen Basquiat painting. However, friends and family of the late artist were “horrified,” at the release of the campaign. The American luxury jewelry company purchased the artwork entitled Equals Pi. Alexis Adler who lived with Basquiat from 1979 to 1980, questioned the artworks use as a prop in an ad. Stephen Torton, who worked for Basquiat for many years, stated through a post on Instagram, “…The idea that this blue background, which I mixed and applied was in any way related to Tiffany Blue is so absurd that at first I chose not to comment.” The release of the $40 million painting has fans raving, why so serious? Weigh in on the topic on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @FMHipHop.
Written by Antoinette Ford.