Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988) was a groundbreaking American artist who rose to prominence in the 1980s as a key figure in the Neo-Expressionist movement. Born in Brooklyn to a Haitian father and Puerto Rican mother, Basquiat began his artistic journey as a graffiti artist under the pseudonym SAMO©. His transition from street art to fine art was meteoric, with his raw, expressive style capturing the attention of the New York art scene. Basquiat's work, characterized by vibrant colors, cryptic text, and powerful imagery, often addressed themes of racism, colonialism, and social inequality. His unique fusion of high art references with popular culture motifs, including jazz musicians, athletes, and cartoon characters, set him apart. Despite his short career, cut tragically short by a heroin overdose at age 27, Basquiat's impact on contemporary art has been profound and enduring, with his paintings now fetching record-breaking prices at auctions