Basquiat and The Echoes of Rebellion

As seen in The Villager on October 27th, 2023. Article by Avalon Ashley Bellos

Jean-Michel Basquiat stands as a luminous figure in the history of art and art movements. In this week’s article in The Villager, the author dives into the multi-layered narratives of Basquiat’s work, the juxtapositions of poetry and graffiti, where street work meets the high-end words of collectors and international galleries.

What sets Basquiat apart from the rest, is his ability to transcend these contradictions… “His art speaks a universal language, addressing themes of race, identity, power, and social disintegration. Basquiat’s brush, laden with vivid colors, strokes the canvas like a sorecer’s wand, breathing life into the lifeless. His work unearths the human condition, delving deep into the psyche, probing the very essence of existence” (p. 23, Bellos).

A true challenge to convention, speaking to the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life, Basquiat pivoted the trajectory of the art world, and opened up much more open and inspiring visions for the rest of us to learn from and progress towards.

His works, including the Superhero Portfolio, are currently available at DTR Modern Gallery Soho, Boston, Washington, DC and Palm Beach. For a worthy read, click here and peruse the full article.