As we head into the last week of Black History Month, DNO will feature one of our global Black Heroes from various fields every day for the next seven days, which, hopefully, is educational and evokes pride and inspiration. Enjoy the first installment on iconic art prodigy Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Later, he would attend City-As-School, an alternative institution where creative children took refuge from an educational system they found to be challenging. He received encouragement from his teachers based on his talent and despite lacking formal training, he immersed himself in the world of art, teaching himself the techniques that would later define his distinctive style.
Basquiat first gained recognition as part of the graffiti duo SAMO, which left its mark on the streets of New York City with its enigmatic messages and striking imagery. His early works were a fusion of words, stick figures, and animals, reflecting his raw talent and innate creativity. As an artist, he highlighted contrast, both mediumistic and conceptual.
Despite initial struggles, Basquiat’s breakthrough came when he sold a painting for $50,000, signaling the beginning of his meteoric rise in the art world. A notable achievement was becoming the youngest artist ever to showcase about 60 pieces of work at the Kestner-Gesellschaft gallery in Hanover Germany.
Tragically, Basquiat’s life was cut short when he passed away in 1988 at the age of 27. However, his legacy endures, with his artworks fetching record-breaking prices, including one that sold for $110.5 million posthumously, making him the highest-priced American artist in history.
Basquiat’s impact as an artist transcends his brief time on Earth, as he continues to inspire future generations with his profound artistic vision and instantly recognizable persona.
For those who aren’t familiar with Jean-Michel Basquiat, this link below is a short movie about his life. It features a few big named stars like David Bowie who played Andy Warhal, Benicio Del Toro and a few others. I’ve always loved this movie. I hope others do too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS7hlUk9hSg
Wow, inspiring story on Jean-Michel Basquiat. That’s why I visit your site. Thanks for the stories DNO.
DNO, Black History Month has nothing to do with Dominica.
According to history.com, “Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.”
The month was created by black Americans since they think their role in US history is not being recognized enough.
Why do we always have to follow what the Americans do? SMH.
I think I hear crickets, you are alone in this one there pal. You are all Africans.
Island Boy, I beg to differ.
These inspirational accounts have everything to do with Dominicans of African descent.
Ya, but we not going to be pigeonholed by someone else’s division and separation tactics.
The brilliant life and sad death of Jean-Michel Basquiat speaks volumes about two problems that youth face in Dominica. First: the neglect of our education system for those talented in the creative arts, and second: the destructive effect of drugs.
If fostered, creativity in itself can provide the high that many young people seek.