Jean-Michel Basquiat’s poetry within his art is multifaceted, blending personal, cultural, and political themes. Born to Haitian and Puerto Rican parents in Brooklyn, he grew up in a diverse neighbourhood - one that was not without the well-known problems of the 1970s in New York. As a child, Basquiat grew up speaking Spanish and French and developed an appreciation of art and culture from a young age. His multicultural heritage and identity were central tenants to his works and wider exploration of the “black experience” of the time.
Ever since first appearing on the New York graffiti scene, Basquiat’s approach to street art, incorporating words and phrases alongside his graffiti tag SAMO© would set a precedent that would continue throughout his studio career.
Within Basquiat’s poetry, the artist often pays homage to African and African-American culture, history, and figures. He would often reference historical events, cultural icons, and African symbols, creating a tapestry of pride and identity. Conversely, this acceptance and celebration of African-American culture saw the artist critique the historic and present day oppression and exploitation faced by black people. Words and phrases in his paintings highlighted systemic racism and the lingering effects of colonialism within the 1980’s.
Basquiat, like many artists used his work as a powerful tool for social and Political Commentary much like the visual elements, Basquiat would use text to draw attention to economic disparities, social injustices, and political corruption. His poetic inscriptions often exposed the harsh realities of marginalised communities and consequently were a platform of protest to voice resistance against oppression and advocate for social change.
His personal refections can be found across his works where his textual elements interplay with the stark, balanced and energetic visuals and emotions - through the combination of words and images we are given an insight into his inner world, struggles, and thoughts. The fragmented and sometimes chaotic nature of his poetry mirrored his mental state and the intensity of his creative process. This approach allowed him to communicate complex and sometimes conflicting emotions.
Educated and mercurial, Basquiat’s written words drew reference from historical figures, events, and movements. By invoking these elements, he connected contemporary issues to historical contexts, underscoring the continuity of struggle and resistance. His art was replete with the literary influences and inspirations he absorbed throughout his life. Consuming works ranging from French symbolist literature to avant-garde postmodern authors such as William S. Burroughs, and Langston Hughes, Basquiat was inspired both theoretically and compositionally in his postmodern approach to fusing symbols, words and oblique references in his visual compositions..
Basquiat is perhaps most widely known for his use of symbols within his art which have became his visual language. Much like contemporary artist and friend Keith Haring, Basquiat subscribed to a semiotic approach to creation employing visual and linguistic symbols and metaphors within his work to convey deeper meanings. For example, crowns often symbolised nobility, power, and excellence, particularly in relation to black historical figures. Both literally and figuratively, the text within his work is layered serving both a compositional purposes and thematic one - thick, laden metaphors and concepts such as identity, struggle, and resilience pepper his rich oeuvre, Fragmented and disjointed, Basquiat’s use of text mirrors his neo-expressionist style where viewers are forced to piece together meaning within the abstract and cryptic presentation of text that allow for multiple readings and interpretations.
Set to the backdrop of Basquiat’s masterful visual compositions was the rough and raw influence of graffiti. Already well known as a graffiti writer the free flowing and spontaneous nature of the artform can be found across his works that brim with the urgent quality of street art, giving them an edge of raw authenticity.
Basquiat’s use of text and poetry was a vital component of his artistic language. It allowed him to communicate complex ideas and emotions, infusing his paintings with a depth that transcended the purely visual. Through text, Basquiat navigated personal and collective histories, critiqued societal injustices, and asserted his unique voice in the art world.
Basquiat’s poetic text is an integral part of his artistic expression, serving as a powerful tool for communication and commentary. Through his poetry, Basquiat navigated personal and collective histories, critiqued societal injustices, and asserted his unique voice within the art world. His use of text added depth and complexity to his work, making it a rich and multifaceted exploration of identity, culture, and resistance.
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