Untitled ‘Two Heads on Gold’, 1982 by Jean-Michel Basquiat
Acrylic and oil paintstick on canvas
80 × 125 in- 203.2 × 317.5 cm

Let me please ramp up some intellectual thoughts for your consideration.  Ok, well up until several weeks ago I didn’t know that Charles Bird King’s father was killed by a native American.  This would not be poignantly significant except that Charles Bird King is almost singularly remembered as one of the greatest historical portrait artists of native American culture in a truly positive light.  Dignifying the perspective of native Americans in his day and beyond to our time.

The question to ask from this docu-movie in my opinion is – How did Basquiat die at 27 years of age?  Obviously his lifestyle choice was conducive to this.  He was sucked up into a decadent torrent, seemingly casting himself off in an instant.

Can anyone here expect to cast a pebble into the sea only to find that same pebble rise to the surface of the waters and roll back towards you?  What you actually do is skim the pebble upon the surface many times to see it skipping along the smoothness of waves.

I’m deeply moved by this film because I see almost precisely the same sensitivity and fragility that Van Gogh no doubt possessed during his own lifetime.  37 years and 27 years is merely glancing at the surface of what life has to offer.

At this point I would mention that perhaps watching Pina (preferably in 3D) by Wim Wenders is also a strongly emotive film experience.  That is, if you would like to tap into your deep inner sensibilities for an hour or two.  Personally speaking I do sincerely become immersed in a range of emotions during these arty indulgences.

Back on track to Jean-Michel Basquiat.  Firstly a superior artist to any reference of what we might consider good or acceptable art in quality.  His drawing in a child-like manner explains how he felt as a person in this highly competitive commercial world.  Cartoonistic, raw and excitable in style.  Abrupt, often complex and bold.  Stark and beautifully complimentary.  Largely attractive colour contrasted arrangements.

Philistines – 1982 by Jean-Michel Basquiat
Acrylic, crayon on canvas, 183 x 312.5cm

Is Jean-Michel Basquiat explaining some of his own life experiences in his painting above?  I would strongly accept this hypothesis.

Bird on Money, 1981 by Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Acrylic, crayon on canvas – 167.5 x 228.5cm

Come on surely we would all like to own a Basquiat?  Colourful and interesting doesn’t even begin to describe a Basquiat.  His influence in artists like Banksy is almost a given.  Basquiat clearly dignifies many artists within his paintings so I think its posthumous reward his art is still living and breathing today.  Speaking street and high brow intellectualism as one.

Del Monte, c1984-1985 by Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol
Synthetic polymer paint & silkscreen ink on canvas
76 x 88 in. (193 x 223.5 cm)

I’ve included this latter painting above to add controversy to the whole art valuation debate.  What is a piece of art worth?  This painting sold for $1,082,500.  Unusually Jean-Michel Basquiat chose not to use visible words or letters in this artwork.  The branding work is synonymous with Andy Warhol’s style.  An art collector would pay this sum purely based on the strong friendship that Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat had or perhaps because JMB is a genius for unspoken commentary?

Art is each their own personal feeling.  But I tell you something, when I saw the slave ship briefly referenced in one of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s paintings during the docu-movie aforementioned, well, sometimes it takes time to see what an artist is saying or feeling on many levels.

Personally I think this is Basquiat referencing his savvy worldly acumen and woefully addictive tendencies with honest sentimentality.  I would be surprised if the brilliance of his style does not find influence in my own future artworks ‘through a new mind’ in some way.  I certainly hope so because I loved the man himself.  A great pity he is no longer with us as a person and masterful artist.