Basquiat-isms

by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Larry Warsh (Editor)

A collection of essential quotations and other writings from artist and icon Jean-Michel Basquiat

One of the most important artists of the late twentieth century, Jean-Michel Basquiat explored the interplay of words and images throughout his career as a celebrated painter with an instantly recognizable style. In his paintings, notebooks, and interviews, he showed himself to be a powerful and creative writer and speaker as well as image-maker. Basquiat-isms is a collection of essential quotations from this godfather of urban culture. In these brief, compelling, and memorable selections, taken from his interviews as well as his visual and written works, Basquiat writes and speaks about culture, his artistic persona, the art world, artistic influence, race, urban life, and many other subjects. Concise, direct, forceful, poetic, and enigmatic, Basquiat’s words, like his art, continue to resonate.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

144 pages, Hardcover

Published June 4, 2019

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

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gift for a friend, read before sending.👑

[Joanne McGowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small book of "sayings" from one of my favourite artists. There is a lot about Basquiat but not in his own words, which I think is overlooked. I found this book very interesting and it has made me want to read more about his written work.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are an excellent briefing on the artist's ethos, work, and story. In 1-2 hours you have a much better understanding of the artist.

[Shhhhh Ahhhhh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it. Not really sure what else to say about it. It's all Basquiat quotes but it gives a clearer picture of who he was, how he worked, and what happened in his life than basically anything I've encountered. I've been to exhibits of his work 4 or 5 times, maybe more. Some had recordings of him producing art or sitting for interviews. I read every placard, every sign. I didn't get from those half of what I got from this book.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in taking on Basquiat as a creative mentor and anyone interested in Basquiat in general. Otherwise, there is likely not going to be much here for you.

[Latife Hasbani · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Jean-Michel lived a short life, but he left us with a lot of memorable work, an astonishing amount given the number of his working years. The ancient Greeks believed that lives were not tragically short or satisfyingly long; rather, they thought, each life is lived to its own termination, and should be valued in its own terms. One might think of him as a warrior who fell too soon in a battle not of his making.” (Henry Geldzahler)

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

"If you want to talk about influence, man, then you've got to realize that influence is not influence. It's simply somone's idea going through my new mind." (page 28)

"You just end up surviving when you have to." (page49)

[Rose Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

clean basquiat

[Teddy Farias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got it as a bday gift! Hella awesome short, insightful, inspiring & chill quotes from B! Loved it.

[Avedon Arcadio · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I knew I could just source texted quotes by anyone and publish a book I would have done it much sooner.

[Lyss · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small little quote book. It was cool to see into some thoughts. I appreciated it

[Tim Belonax · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the chronology of events in his life at the end more engaging than the quotes taken out of context.

[Isabel Margarita Saieg · Rating 4 out of 5]

se nota q es ultra egocéntrico y debió ser terrible compartir con el, pero tiene una mente muy interesante y una bella forma de ver el arte

[Victor Chiñas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basquiat is one of the artist I admire the most for it’s unique inspirations in it’s cultural background. Reading this brief book helped me to deepen on his history and motivations.

[Emily Hatton · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Basquiat-isms" offers a glimpse into the mind of the iconic artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, curated by Larry Warsh. While the collection captures the essence of Basquiat's unique perspective and artistic genius, the brevity of some entries may leave readers craving deeper insight into his profound thoughts. Additionally, the layout could be more engaging to enhance the overall reading experience. Nonetheless, for admirers of Basquiat's work seeking a quick dose of inspiration and introspection, this book serves as a valuable addition to their collection.

[MJ Cunha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sayings from the artist that I like the most. Inspiring. Short and sweet.