Jean-Michel Basquiat (December 22, 1960 – August 12, 1988) was an influential American artist who emerged in the late 1970s and gained fame in the 1980s. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Haitian father and a Puerto Rican mother, Basquiat's diverse cultural background informed much of his work. He was a key figure in the neo-expressionist movement, which sought to return to more traditional forms of painting, as well as the street art movement that emerged in New York City during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Basquiat started his artistic career as a graffiti artist under the pseudonym "SAMO©," along with his friend Al Diaz. Their work consisted of cryptic messages and slogans, which quickly garnered attention within the art world. Basquiat transitioned from graffiti to more traditional mediums, incorporating elements of his street art into his paintings, drawings, and collages. His artwork often featured a complex interplay of words, symbols, and images, addressing themes such as race, identity, social injustice, and the human experience. Basquiat drew inspiration from various sources, including African art, music, pop culture, and historical events. In the 1980s, Basquiat's career skyrocketed, and he became friends with the likes of Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and Madonna. Despite his success, Basquiat struggled with drug addiction, which ultimately led to his untimely death from a heroin overdose at the age of 27 in 1988. Since his death, Basquiat's work has continued to grow in popularity and influence. His art has been the subject of numerous exhibitions, retrospectives, and documentaries, and his paintings have fetched record-breaking prices at auctions. Basquiat remains a significant figure in contemporary art history, with his work continuing to inspire and challenge viewers to this day.