Abstract This paper discusses the work of Jean Michel Basquiat. It first focuses on his life, which is the defining source of his work. It further discusses his multicultural heritage which often is within his work, and it discusses how Basquiat learned about his life as he learned about his art. Several of his paintings are discussed from the Brooklyn Museum of Art.
From the Paper "Fans and critics alike have closely scrutinized the work of the late artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat. Critical analysis contends that Basquiat's work cannot be considered in league with great art because it lacks the maturity, and skill that is found in the work of history's primary painters. Those who believe that there is value within Basquiat's work believe that the modern expression within each painting is a statement of the society of our time. Filled with With these facts in mind, it is of further significance to realize that through his work Basquiat was presenting a commentary on his life, his knowledge, and the society in which he lived ("Basquiat"). The Brooklyn Museum of Art states that Basquiat worked around six central themes."
A comparison of the film, "Basquiat," directed by Julian Schnabel and the book, "Basquiat: A Quick Killing in Art," written by Phoebe Hoban, both biographies of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Abstract This paper discusses the life and works of half-Haitian, half-Cuban artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat. It compares two biographies of the artist - a film, "Basquiat," written and directed by Julian Schnabel and a book, "Basquiat: A Quick Killing in Art," written by Phoebe Hoban. The paper reeviews each and discusses how fair each one is in its representation of Basquiat.
From the Paper "A more balanced book, with the perspective of years that is less interested in gossip and more on Basquiat's legacy as African-American outsider artist, a man who inspired others to create, will hopefully be written someday. A budding art student seeking to truly understand Basquiat would be better directed to studying his visual works. Someone trying to understand his soul might be better directed to the film, for all of its brevity. Everyone, however, who is familiar with Basquiat can at least take this one lesson from his legacy--the importance of art to young people in the world today. Without the ability to hone his technique and to find his artist voice, Basquiat would simply be another drug addict, long forgotten by the word. Words and the left side of the brain are not suited for everyone, as they seek to find a vehicle of expression, and using art to help alienated young people connect with the world is important, not just for tormented individuals like Basquiat, but for everyone striving to live their lives in a more meaningful fashion. Art is a way to express life eternally, and transcends gossip and fashion."
Abstract This paper examines two untitled paintings, painted by Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1981. It first discusses a painting of an abstract landscape split vertically down the center by a thin red line. The paper then discusses the second painting - an ecstatically colorful portrait of a solitary male figure. The paper discusses the meaning in each painting.
From the Paper "What one finds, when examining both the paintings discussed here, is that they are emblematic of one of the main themes running throughout Basquiat's oeuvre - man's conflict between nature and culture. In the first painting, the human figure is conspicuously absent. But a number of tools and vehicles that man's development has relied upon over the years - from the hammer to the airplane - form the nexus of the painting. In this regard, the absence of a human figure is haunting. It infers that the tools that we have invented in the name of progress very well may outlast us in our ongoing struggle to master the natural world."
Abstract This paper will argue that Basquiat's work may be best seen as operating within the parameters of a "Black aesthetic". This still-controversial concept, it will be seen, accurately reflects Basquiat's embracement of postmodernity and the complex engagement of artists of the African diaspora with the traditions of the past in the context of the present.
Abstract This paper looks at the art and culture of Haiti from a humanities perspective. It examines how Haitian people come from a rich culture and history in Haiti, and how many Haitian artists today are internationally famous, including but not limited to modern artists like Basquiat and Obin. It also discusses how, as with any nation, Haiti has a rich culture that is determined in large part by its history.
From the Paper "Since Haiti was one of the first Caribbean nations to declare independence, it has been relatively free, in comparison to many of its neighbors, of the colonial cultural control (also known in some circles as cultural hegemony) that can dictate culture forcefully in some other places, and has thus been able to make its own culture without another country telling it what to think and do. On the whole, in Haiti this culture has emerged in the form of distinctive religious, family, and gender structures, which is then reflected on a consumer marketplace in terms of factors associated with Haiti culturally and religiously. "
Abstract In this essay the writer looks at four films about artists. The paper examines what the filmmakers wanted us to think of the artist and his or her work. The writer explains that two are documentaries while the other two are fictional films based on the life of the artist. The films discussed are: "Camille Claudel", "Vincent:The Life and Death of Vincent Van Gogh", "Superstar: The Life and Times of Andy Warhol" and "Basquiat".
From the Paper "This film is based on the biography of a French sculptor Camille Claudel. Right from the beginning of the film we see that Camille is a young woman who is very passionate about her art and that in this she goes against the conventions of the time she lives in and the class of society she is from. She becomes a pupil and an apprentice of Rodin, the famous French sculptor. He is older, more mature and already an established and respected artist. She becomes his mistress as well as his muse."
