I'm from Brooklyn Baby!

Samo aka Jean-Michel Basquiat, "LIKE AN IGNORANT EASTER SUIT", the artist on the set of Downtown 81. © New York Beat Film LLC. Image: Edo Bertoglio. 

​Jean-Michel Basquiat was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1960. He grew up in a diverse neighborhood in the city, which exposed him to various cultures and arts at a young age. As a child, Basquiat was interested in art and showed a talent for drawing. He attended several schools in the city, including PS 48 and Edward R. Murrow High School, but dropped out of high school before graduation.

Basquiat was the son of a Haitian father and a Puerto Rican mother. He showed a talent for art from an early age, but his formal education was cut short when he dropped out of high school.

Despite his lack of formal education, Basquiat's artistic talent caught the attention of several prominent artists in the city. He began to participate in exhibitions and showed his works in galleries. In the late 1970s, he became part of the graffiti art scene in New York, creating pieces under the name SAMO.

Basquiat's rise to fame was swift, and by the early 1980s, he was a well-known figure in the art world. He was celebrated for his unique style that blended elements of graffiti, pop art, and social commentary. His works often addressed issues of race, poverty, and power, reflecting his experiences growing up in the city.

Basquiat's success was not without controversy. He was often criticized for his association with the commercial art world and for being too commercial. Despite this, his impact on the art world cannot be denied. He inspired a generation of artists and continues to be an influential figure today.
​
In conclusion, Basquiat's childhood in New York City played a crucial role in shaping his artistic style and vision. The diversity and cultural richness of the city gave him a unique perspective on the world, which he reflected in his works. He continues to be remembered as a groundbreaking artist and an important voice in the art world.