Jean-Michel Basquiat Handbook

by Jean-Michel Basquiat (Artist), Larry Warsh (editor), Henry Louis Gates Jr.

160 pages, Paperback

Published March 26, 2024

About the author

Jean-Michel Basquiat was an American artist. He gained popularity, first as a graffiti artist in New York City, and then as a successful 1980s-era Neo-expressionist artist. Basquiat's paintings continue to influence modern day artists and command high prices.

Reviews

[Nataxa Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction of the artist JMB. I felt I was reading a page from Wikipedia due to the structure of the book and the chronological list at the end.

[Danette Heredia · Rating 4 out of 5]

trying to get back into reading and wanted something simple and was honestly very enlightening. i was never a big fan of his art or style but this book let me see a different side to him. still not a crazy fan but i feel like i finally have an understanding of his artistic choices. in-depth about his background and relationships, but not his struggles. didn’t really talk about his drug use but it seems to have been done on purpose to highlight his artistic habits, rather than indulgent ones.

[Manuel Carvajal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brief, but great approach into some details about Basquiat’s work and life. Includes quality images. Some pics by Warhol, Basquiat’s notebooks. “I don’t think about art when I’m working. I try to think about life” J-M Basquiat.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good selection of images. Much of the text is basic and more of a catalogue of techniques than insights into his work.

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little book to pop in one’s pocket. A brief introduction to the artist and lots of lovely pictures.

[Jack Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great little read. Some super cool facts and notes about Jean and his life.
Would definitely recommend as you can start and stop whenever.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish this book had more of everything. More details, information, it felt like I was reading a wikipedia page but it was still informative just not a lot there.