[1] The year is 1976 and the world of art was reaching a point of stagnation. After a wave of postmodern art, the two art forms that had prevailed were conceptualism and minimalism. Art historian Jordana Saggese describes this era and notes that conceptualism focused on planning and placed little emphasis on the execution and minimalism produced art with minimal design put behind the work’s actual appearance (67). In a time where these ideals were king, many contemporary artists accepted the status quo and stuck to the mold. However, for one Jean-Michel Basquiat, the current state may have seemed appealing and due its respect, but he was ready for a change. Saggese describes Basquiat as revolutionary in his regard for his peers and mentors,
…show more content…
He was the culmination of varying aspects of his multiracial identity and the emerging culture of hip-hop (Saggese 9). Early criticism of the culture over its glorification of violent images and misogynistic portrayals of women in addition to public scrutiny over degrading public property led to criticism and ostracization from the world of art. However, Basquiat pulled from elements of hip-hop, namely graffiti, and elevated its status to pieces of artwork that were critically-acclaimed and placed him on a similar level to leading artists of his time. While negative public perceptions of hip-hop have persisted, in recent years, the genre has emerged as a leader in terms of both media and music. This resurgence in upper society’s acceptance of the culture is interesting to note, and the underlying social and political similarities of America during these two eras illustrates why hip-hop has been prolific during these times. Minimalistic and conceptual viewing was the norm of Basquiat’s time, but these methods were ill-equipped to grasping the inner beauty of the ugly life of a black man growing up in the 70’s in New York. Basquiat and understanding how he elevated popular culture to high-class art and integrated contemporary cultural complexity in his art is critical …show more content…
This can be seen prominently in one of his most famous pieces, Charles the First, which he composed in 1982. Despite the name, Basquiat’s piece is not about the British king, instead it is a tribute to Charlie Parker, a famed jazz musician who sadly died young from a heroin overdose. Parker was also a close friend of Basquiat’s (Saggese 95). With this in mind, Basquiat juxtaposes his personal relationships with the lives of royalty. The text “most young kings get their heads cut off” is a reference to Parker’s early death but that also describes Charles the First who was public beheaded in 1649 (Saggese 95). He also uses imagery that recalls comic-book heroes such as Superman, Thor, and the X-Men. This once again serves to liken his fallen friend to a powerful figure. However, in this case instead of a regal figure, he chooses to allude to fictional supernatural figures. Comic books at this time were relatively new and primarily targeted at a younger demographic. This highlights another one of Basquiat’s defining artistic traits. He effortlessly moves from aspects of high culture, such as the crown and allusion to Charles the First, to characteristics typically associated with common citizens like the comic book figures. This blend of the streets and the culture of higher-class society illustrate Basquiat’s
He was the culmination of varying aspects of his multiracial identity and the emerging culture of hip-hop (Saggese 9). Early criticism of the culture over its glorification of violent images and misogynistic portrayals of women in addition to public scrutiny over degrading public property led to criticism and ostracization from the world of art. However, Basquiat pulled from elements of hip-hop, namely graffiti, and elevated its status to pieces of artwork that were critically-acclaimed and placed him on a similar level to leading artists of his time. While negative public perceptions of hip-hop have persisted, in recent years, the genre has emerged as a leader in terms of both media and music. This resurgence in upper society’s acceptance of the culture is interesting to note, and the underlying social and political similarities of America during these two eras illustrates why hip-hop has been prolific during these times. Minimalistic and conceptual viewing was the norm of Basquiat’s time, but these methods were ill-equipped to grasping the inner beauty of the ugly life of a black man growing up in the 70’s in New York. Basquiat and understanding how he elevated popular culture to high-class art and integrated contemporary cultural complexity in his art is critical …show more content…
This can be seen prominently in one of his most famous pieces, Charles the First, which he composed in 1982. Despite the name, Basquiat’s piece is not about the British king, instead it is a tribute to Charlie Parker, a famed jazz musician who sadly died young from a heroin overdose. Parker was also a close friend of Basquiat’s (Saggese 95). With this in mind, Basquiat juxtaposes his personal relationships with the lives of royalty. The text “most young kings get their heads cut off” is a reference to Parker’s early death but that also describes Charles the First who was public beheaded in 1649 (Saggese 95). He also uses imagery that recalls comic-book heroes such as Superman, Thor, and the X-Men. This once again serves to liken his fallen friend to a powerful figure. However, in this case instead of a regal figure, he chooses to allude to fictional supernatural figures. Comic books at this time were relatively new and primarily targeted at a younger demographic. This highlights another one of Basquiat’s defining artistic traits. He effortlessly moves from aspects of high culture, such as the crown and allusion to Charles the First, to characteristics typically associated with common citizens like the comic book figures. This blend of the streets and the culture of higher-class society illustrate Basquiat’s