Jean-Michel Basquiat was a groundbreaking American artist whose bold, raw, and expressive style revolutionized the contemporary art scene in the 1980s. Born in Brooklyn in 1960 to Haitian and Puerto Rican parents, Basquiat first gained attention as a graffiti artist under the pseudonym SAMO before transitioning into painting. His work combined elements of street art, African-American cultural history, anatomy, and social critique, often incorporating scrawled text, symbols, and figures that challenged viewers to engage with themes of race, identity, power, and inequality. Despite his short life—he died at the age of 27—Basquiat achieved international acclaim and became one of the most influential artists of his generation. His art remains highly sought after and continues to resonate for its urgency, complexity, and unapologetic commentary on the structures of society.