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Basquiat
The legend of Jean-Michel Basquiat is as strong as ever. Synonymous with 1980s New York, the artist first appeared in the late 1970s under the tag SAMO, spraying caustic comments and fragmented poems on the walls of the city. He appeared as part of a thriving underground scene of visual arts and graffiti, hip hop, post-punk, and DIY filmmaking, which met in a booming art world.
As a painter with a strong personal voice, Basquiat soon broke into the established milieu, exhibiting in galleries around the world. Basquiat’s expressive style was based on raw figures and integrated words and phrases. His work is inspired by a pantheon of luminaries from jazz, boxing, and basketball, with references to arcane history and the politics of street life―so when asked about his subject matter, Basquiat answered “royalty, heroism and the streets.” In 1983 he started collaborating with the most famous of art stars, Andy Warhol, and in 1985 was on the cover of The New York Times Magazine. When Basquiat died at the age of 27, he had become one of the most successful artists of his time.
First published in an XXL edition, this unprecedented insight into Basquiat’s art is now available in a compact, accessible volume in celebration of TASCHEN’s 40th anniversary. With pristine reproductions of his most seminal paintings, drawings, and notebook sketches, it offers vivid proximity to Basquiat’s intricate marks and scribbled words, further illuminated by an introduction to the artist from editor Hans Werner Holzwarth, as well as an essay on his themes and artistic development from curator and art historian Eleanor Nairne. Richly illustrated year-by-year chapter breaks follow the artist’s life and quote from his own statements and contemporary reviews to provide both personal background and historical context.
As a painter with a strong personal voice, Basquiat soon broke into the established milieu, exhibiting in galleries around the world. Basquiat’s expressive style was based on raw figures and integrated words and phrases. His work is inspired by a pantheon of luminaries from jazz, boxing, and basketball, with references to arcane history and the politics of street life―so when asked about his subject matter, Basquiat answered “royalty, heroism and the streets.” In 1983 he started collaborating with the most famous of art stars, Andy Warhol, and in 1985 was on the cover of The New York Times Magazine. When Basquiat died at the age of 27, he had become one of the most successful artists of his time.
First published in an XXL edition, this unprecedented insight into Basquiat’s art is now available in a compact, accessible volume in celebration of TASCHEN’s 40th anniversary. With pristine reproductions of his most seminal paintings, drawings, and notebook sketches, it offers vivid proximity to Basquiat’s intricate marks and scribbled words, further illuminated by an introduction to the artist from editor Hans Werner Holzwarth, as well as an essay on his themes and artistic development from curator and art historian Eleanor Nairne. Richly illustrated year-by-year chapter breaks follow the artist’s life and quote from his own statements and contemporary reviews to provide both personal background and historical context.
512 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2020
72 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Eleanor Nairne
12 books4 followersEleanor Nairne is Curator at the Barbican Art Gallery in London, where her recent exhibitions include Lee Krasner: Living Colour and Basquiat: Boom for Real. She is a contributor to publications including the London Review of Books and frieze.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 25, 2020
This is a review of the English edition.
Simply splendid. 512 pages, and not one bad work of art to be found. Obviously, that’s on the conto of Basquiat, and not Taschen. Nevertheless, this publication is truly spectacular, and for 20 euros one of the best art books you will ever buy value/money-wise. El Pais called this the “most complete monograph on Basquiat that exists.”
Jean-Michel Basquiat only painted for 8 years, and left us with over 600 major canvases – he truly is the 20th century Van Gogh.
There’s a solid introduction to Basquiat by the editor, a good essay by Eleanor Nairne, and a few pages that introduce each of the book’s eight chronological sections. They really shine a light on both the artist as well as his work.
The text doesn’t dominate the visual experience. This is an eye book first and foremost – fantastic reproductions, great printing quality. One minor blemish: the book doesn’t indicate the whereabouts of the paintings. On all other accounts: exceptional.
If you have money to spare – consider buying the much larger XXL edition of this, for 150 euros. It was first published in 2018. I have both the XXL editions of Rembrandt, and I can attest to the production values of that series. Basquiat’s paintings, often with intricate detail, is undoubtly done more justice in even bigger reproductions.
Visit Weighing A Pig for more art book reviews
Simply splendid. 512 pages, and not one bad work of art to be found. Obviously, that’s on the conto of Basquiat, and not Taschen. Nevertheless, this publication is truly spectacular, and for 20 euros one of the best art books you will ever buy value/money-wise. El Pais called this the “most complete monograph on Basquiat that exists.”
Jean-Michel Basquiat only painted for 8 years, and left us with over 600 major canvases – he truly is the 20th century Van Gogh.
There’s a solid introduction to Basquiat by the editor, a good essay by Eleanor Nairne, and a few pages that introduce each of the book’s eight chronological sections. They really shine a light on both the artist as well as his work.
The text doesn’t dominate the visual experience. This is an eye book first and foremost – fantastic reproductions, great printing quality. One minor blemish: the book doesn’t indicate the whereabouts of the paintings. On all other accounts: exceptional.
If you have money to spare – consider buying the much larger XXL edition of this, for 150 euros. It was first published in 2018. I have both the XXL editions of Rembrandt, and I can attest to the production values of that series. Basquiat’s paintings, often with intricate detail, is undoubtly done more justice in even bigger reproductions.
Visit Weighing A Pig for more art book reviews
August 1, 2025
I am very attracted to Basquiat’s art and not so much to his story. It feels like he is a vessel for spectacular content; Jimmy Hendrix, Janis Joplin John Belushi, the out of control artist writ large. That is such a cliche and not helpful to appreciating his work.
This book is weak in a couple ways; the text gives little insight into the many,many works the book includes. Also the fact is that we aren’t delving deeper than the images, we aren’t getting to the specificity of his brushwork or the surface he is doing the work on or the size or relationship of a specific work to other aspects of his other art or to the space or light. The stream of images becomes overwhelming and repetitive.
Here is the thing. Basquiat’s work manages to transcends these limitations and still feel fresh and vibrant, profound and personal. This book works well as a buffet, a place to sample the work and then dive into those that really intrigue and mesmerize.
This book is weak in a couple ways; the text gives little insight into the many,many works the book includes. Also the fact is that we aren’t delving deeper than the images, we aren’t getting to the specificity of his brushwork or the surface he is doing the work on or the size or relationship of a specific work to other aspects of his other art or to the space or light. The stream of images becomes overwhelming and repetitive.
Here is the thing. Basquiat’s work manages to transcends these limitations and still feel fresh and vibrant, profound and personal. This book works well as a buffet, a place to sample the work and then dive into those that really intrigue and mesmerize.
October 26, 2020
Der Verlag Taschen ist schon lange dafür bekannt, wunderbare Monografien und Bildbände zu veröffentlichen, die nicht nur inhaltlich überzeugen, sondern sehr bezahlbar sind. Mit der Reihe zum 40. Jubiläum wird diese Tradition im kleineren Buchformat fortgesetzt, die gesammelten Werke von Basquiat gehören dazu.
Basquiat ist ein Künstler, zu dessen Werk ich bisher keinen Zugang hatte und wovon ich immer dachte, dass mich seine Bilder nicht ansprechen. Die Lektüre dieses umfassenden Werkverzeichnisses hat mir das Gegenteil bewiesen. Besonders die Gemälde aus seiner frühen und mittleren Phase sind bestechend. Mit ihrer rohen und schnellen Wirkung, mit dem Chaos und der überbordenden Präsentation. Da steckt Drang und Ohnmacht dahinter, ein kurzes Leben voller Zweifel und Fragen. Was nicht nur Faszination ausübt, sondern viel Inspiration. Ein kreatives Schaffen, das bis heute wie ein Beben wirken kann und keinesfalls langweilt.
Basquiat ist ein Künstler, zu dessen Werk ich bisher keinen Zugang hatte und wovon ich immer dachte, dass mich seine Bilder nicht ansprechen. Die Lektüre dieses umfassenden Werkverzeichnisses hat mir das Gegenteil bewiesen. Besonders die Gemälde aus seiner frühen und mittleren Phase sind bestechend. Mit ihrer rohen und schnellen Wirkung, mit dem Chaos und der überbordenden Präsentation. Da steckt Drang und Ohnmacht dahinter, ein kurzes Leben voller Zweifel und Fragen. Was nicht nur Faszination ausübt, sondern viel Inspiration. Ein kreatives Schaffen, das bis heute wie ein Beben wirken kann und keinesfalls langweilt.
June 29, 2022
Wealth of images, I appreciated the essays and the year-by-year overview (haven't read anything on him before).
Not as impressed with the book design, there's a side flap and it was ripped in a good number of the ones I received (had ordered multiple copies for a work project). I ended up just taking it off on my copy so it wouldn't aggravate me constantly.
Not as impressed with the book design, there's a side flap and it was ripped in a good number of the ones I received (had ordered multiple copies for a work project). I ended up just taking it off on my copy so it wouldn't aggravate me constantly.
October 26, 2025
Before we dive-in, can we just take a moment to appreciate how lucky we all are to have the Taschen imprint? What a gift they are. Whichever edition of this book you decide to acquire, you’re assured quality inside and out.
Other than knowing of his name [and to my eternal shame] far too little of his work, I took the opportunity recently of acquiring a copy of Taschen’s XXL edition of this for an absolute song to educate and elucidate myself. The fact it’s currently Black History Month made this feel all the more important to brush-up on to be quite honest.
Anyone that knows me well enough knows how verbose I can be with regards text messages and emails - oftentimes frustratingly so I’m sure. But having no social circle to speak of any longer due to chronic illness and a few beloved and trusted friends that remained, is it any wonder? I find it easier conveying my thoughts via the written word as they’re as intentional as they are malleable - much like Art itself. So for me, they are the colours in my own proverbial paintbox. Yet Basquiat’s work leaves me reaching - and make no mistake, I mean that in the best of ways because it leaves me reaching for apt superlatives…
There are so many layers to his work - cultural, contextual, literal, metaphorical, radical - defying, confounding and challenging any and all expectations. The one thing that becomes immediately apparent is why his work continues to resonate with so many to this day, decades after his untimely death.
At the risk of sounding pretentious, I found some of the deconstructions of his work in the book wanting to say the least and - somewhat ironically - reaching. But maybe that’s the whole point right there: Art should always defy - or at least challenge - notions of what you want it to be. Just like any good songwriter will never explicitly reveal to someone what their lyrics mean, Basquiat largely leaves us open to interpretation, pondering all manner of questions - both of the man and the work itself. The magic is just as much where the enigma of the man himself is at the end of a brush as it is found within his bold and striking canvases.
There’s a wonderful quote towards the end of the book from a memorial article that his friend - the late, great Keith Haring - wrote that really struck me:
“He truly created a lifetime of works in ten years. Greedily, we wonder what else he might have created, what masterpieces we have been cheated out of by his death, but the fact is that he has created enough work to intrigue generations to come. Only now will people begin to understand the magnitude of his contribution.”
Haring’s quote is perfect because it’s erudite and economical, (unlike myself) yet packs a punch just like Basquiat’s Art.
His work is rightly revered with good reason: his bold use of colour, its captivating starkness, the frenetic energy of its execution and unapologetic rawness, but above all else, it is its quintessential unknowability which intoxicates: it challenges conventions, it asks questions and provokes vital discourse.
It speaks to the deeper truths that lie within us all as we make our way through Life trying to make sense of our own individual and collective journey’s.
This was his. Revel in it.
Other than knowing of his name [and to my eternal shame] far too little of his work, I took the opportunity recently of acquiring a copy of Taschen’s XXL edition of this for an absolute song to educate and elucidate myself. The fact it’s currently Black History Month made this feel all the more important to brush-up on to be quite honest.
Anyone that knows me well enough knows how verbose I can be with regards text messages and emails - oftentimes frustratingly so I’m sure. But having no social circle to speak of any longer due to chronic illness and a few beloved and trusted friends that remained, is it any wonder? I find it easier conveying my thoughts via the written word as they’re as intentional as they are malleable - much like Art itself. So for me, they are the colours in my own proverbial paintbox. Yet Basquiat’s work leaves me reaching - and make no mistake, I mean that in the best of ways because it leaves me reaching for apt superlatives…
There are so many layers to his work - cultural, contextual, literal, metaphorical, radical - defying, confounding and challenging any and all expectations. The one thing that becomes immediately apparent is why his work continues to resonate with so many to this day, decades after his untimely death.
At the risk of sounding pretentious, I found some of the deconstructions of his work in the book wanting to say the least and - somewhat ironically - reaching. But maybe that’s the whole point right there: Art should always defy - or at least challenge - notions of what you want it to be. Just like any good songwriter will never explicitly reveal to someone what their lyrics mean, Basquiat largely leaves us open to interpretation, pondering all manner of questions - both of the man and the work itself. The magic is just as much where the enigma of the man himself is at the end of a brush as it is found within his bold and striking canvases.
There’s a wonderful quote towards the end of the book from a memorial article that his friend - the late, great Keith Haring - wrote that really struck me:
“He truly created a lifetime of works in ten years. Greedily, we wonder what else he might have created, what masterpieces we have been cheated out of by his death, but the fact is that he has created enough work to intrigue generations to come. Only now will people begin to understand the magnitude of his contribution.”
Haring’s quote is perfect because it’s erudite and economical, (unlike myself) yet packs a punch just like Basquiat’s Art.
His work is rightly revered with good reason: his bold use of colour, its captivating starkness, the frenetic energy of its execution and unapologetic rawness, but above all else, it is its quintessential unknowability which intoxicates: it challenges conventions, it asks questions and provokes vital discourse.
It speaks to the deeper truths that lie within us all as we make our way through Life trying to make sense of our own individual and collective journey’s.
This was his. Revel in it.
June 29, 2025
A wonderful window into the art of Basquiat. He never wanted to explain his art, because art is not to be explained but to be felt and I can definitely feel it. The jazz, the injustice, the confidence and the inner urge to express yourself- it’s all there.
Basquiat was an authentic artist who used imagery and language to give us a glimpse into the life of an artist in 1980s New York.
His art is modern but also primitive, carrying the living memory of his African roots—even though he only visited Africa at the end of his life. It also serves as a window into his emotions, which he communicates without hesitation: sadness, anxiety, rage, confusion, confidence. Sometimes these emotions are the main character in the painting, other times they are intertwined, portraying the complexity of our lives.
His work is deeply contextual, so I inevitably feel that I can’t fully grasp everything that moved him. And yet, there are also universal themes and feelings I can relate to. For example, I was moved by “Anybody Speaking Words”. It portrays words that can be seen, thought, felt, contextualised—but also the words that remain in our subconscious, in the background. All of them seem to become part of us, but they can also take something away from our own bodies and minds.
According to official records, Basquiat accidentally overdosed in 1988. That makes sense in a way, as he had many plans to move into other avenues, such as writing. However, his paintings from the last year of his life are quite troubled. Apart from “Riding with Death”, which feels like a prophecy, he seems increasingly preoccupied with the idea of the “ideal” and how it affects life.
It seems to me that the underdog of New York rises to the top, only to find no deities or higher morals—but darkness and greed. In “Victor 25448”, under one of the three “ideal” bubbles, there is an empty circle labelled “nothing to be gained here”. On the left, it says “a beating awaits you here”; on the right, there is Neptune with his trident and the phrases “money orders”. The three “ideals” crush the Black protagonist. He is reaching out, but his body is already bashed up and restrained. Under the emptiness of the ideals, among “fatal injury” and the “fleas”, we find the Greek cross with the inscription: “Jesus Christ conquers”. Next to it is the “position”, all covered up with green which draws our attention to it. So we find the right position—next to Jesus.
I do hope that Basquiat found peace at the end of his life. His life was short, but he lived it to the fullest.
Basquiat was an authentic artist who used imagery and language to give us a glimpse into the life of an artist in 1980s New York.
His art is modern but also primitive, carrying the living memory of his African roots—even though he only visited Africa at the end of his life. It also serves as a window into his emotions, which he communicates without hesitation: sadness, anxiety, rage, confusion, confidence. Sometimes these emotions are the main character in the painting, other times they are intertwined, portraying the complexity of our lives.
His work is deeply contextual, so I inevitably feel that I can’t fully grasp everything that moved him. And yet, there are also universal themes and feelings I can relate to. For example, I was moved by “Anybody Speaking Words”. It portrays words that can be seen, thought, felt, contextualised—but also the words that remain in our subconscious, in the background. All of them seem to become part of us, but they can also take something away from our own bodies and minds.
According to official records, Basquiat accidentally overdosed in 1988. That makes sense in a way, as he had many plans to move into other avenues, such as writing. However, his paintings from the last year of his life are quite troubled. Apart from “Riding with Death”, which feels like a prophecy, he seems increasingly preoccupied with the idea of the “ideal” and how it affects life.
It seems to me that the underdog of New York rises to the top, only to find no deities or higher morals—but darkness and greed. In “Victor 25448”, under one of the three “ideal” bubbles, there is an empty circle labelled “nothing to be gained here”. On the left, it says “a beating awaits you here”; on the right, there is Neptune with his trident and the phrases “money orders”. The three “ideals” crush the Black protagonist. He is reaching out, but his body is already bashed up and restrained. Under the emptiness of the ideals, among “fatal injury” and the “fleas”, we find the Greek cross with the inscription: “Jesus Christ conquers”. Next to it is the “position”, all covered up with green which draws our attention to it. So we find the right position—next to Jesus.
I do hope that Basquiat found peace at the end of his life. His life was short, but he lived it to the fullest.
February 2, 2025
Very good reproductions (albeit some spoiled by having to spread over the fold, and frequently being too small to make out the details), with a passable (if relatively brief) biographical overview of Basquiat's short life. I knew a bit of this already, so was really looking for more analysis / explanation of the art itself - and there isn't much of this at all, which is a shame.
Largely portrayed chronologically, this has helped me pin down 1981-2 as my favourite period for his works - bold, colourful, more abstract expressionist than graphical. The later, more text-heavy, black and white, fiddly works I'm less taken by - but I suspect I'd have a different take if I saw them in person.
This is the main issue with any book on Basquiat - they have infinitely more impact in the flesh than they possibly can in book form. The sheers scale, the texture - this tactile element is crucial to appreciating them. It's part of why I was never really interested in him until I happened onto a smallish exhibition of his works in the Guggenheim in New York a few years back - being presented with so many all together completely shifted my attitude.
This book has a similar impact - the sheer volume of his output over such a short space of time is remarkable. It's inevitable that some will be less engaging than others - but the hit rate is truly impressive.
Largely portrayed chronologically, this has helped me pin down 1981-2 as my favourite period for his works - bold, colourful, more abstract expressionist than graphical. The later, more text-heavy, black and white, fiddly works I'm less taken by - but I suspect I'd have a different take if I saw them in person.
This is the main issue with any book on Basquiat - they have infinitely more impact in the flesh than they possibly can in book form. The sheers scale, the texture - this tactile element is crucial to appreciating them. It's part of why I was never really interested in him until I happened onto a smallish exhibition of his works in the Guggenheim in New York a few years back - being presented with so many all together completely shifted my attitude.
This book has a similar impact - the sheer volume of his output over such a short space of time is remarkable. It's inevitable that some will be less engaging than others - but the hit rate is truly impressive.
May 30, 2025
Phenomenal! Elegantly curated, insightful essays… what else could you want from a book like this? Loved it and will return to it often.
April 18, 2021
En “Jean-Michel Basquiat: 40th anniversary”, Taschen repasa la vida y, sobre todo, la obra del artista.
La monografía recopila exquisitas reproducciones de las pinturas, dibujos y esbozos más destacados, acompañadas de los textos del editor Hans Werner Holzwarth y de Eleanor Nairne, comisaria e historiadora del arte.
Basquiat representa el Nueva York de los 80, es una de las figuras más destacadas junto a sus grandes amigos Keith Haring y Madonna.
El libro habla de la vida y, sobre todo, de la obra del artista que pasó a formar parte del Club de los 27 junto a Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix y al que entró Amy Winehouse hace unos años, tras morir de una sobredosis en su loft del East Village.
Disfrutar de las obras de Basquiat es formar parte de un mundo marcado por la denuncia racial, por un estilo primitivo, rudo y con un gran poder de moverte por dentro.
Desde hace años llevo en mi piel una de sus coronas de 3 puntas conmigo siempre y con ello seguimos dando vida a su obra décadas más tarde. Y esta maravilla es mi auto regalo de Sant Jordi de este año ❤️
#jeanmichelbasquiat #basquiat #libro #libros #book #books #librosrecomendados #bookstagram #bookstagramespaña #art #taschen @taschen
La monografía recopila exquisitas reproducciones de las pinturas, dibujos y esbozos más destacados, acompañadas de los textos del editor Hans Werner Holzwarth y de Eleanor Nairne, comisaria e historiadora del arte.
Basquiat representa el Nueva York de los 80, es una de las figuras más destacadas junto a sus grandes amigos Keith Haring y Madonna.
El libro habla de la vida y, sobre todo, de la obra del artista que pasó a formar parte del Club de los 27 junto a Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix y al que entró Amy Winehouse hace unos años, tras morir de una sobredosis en su loft del East Village.
Disfrutar de las obras de Basquiat es formar parte de un mundo marcado por la denuncia racial, por un estilo primitivo, rudo y con un gran poder de moverte por dentro.
Desde hace años llevo en mi piel una de sus coronas de 3 puntas conmigo siempre y con ello seguimos dando vida a su obra décadas más tarde. Y esta maravilla es mi auto regalo de Sant Jordi de este año ❤️
#jeanmichelbasquiat #basquiat #libro #libros #book #books #librosrecomendados #bookstagram #bookstagramespaña #art #taschen @taschen
October 3, 2024
The art of course draws you in and is beautiful with a hint of foreboding feelings that are brought about, almost as if you can feel the artists death looming about his entire career, hauntingly gorgeous. It’s unfortunate however, because as far as biographies go, it felt repetitive and not truly like the artists life was truly delved into and moreso that it was a quick, nearly vapid rundown of the work he produced and his relationships but no so much how he went about being inspired for said work. I know he was a more introverted artist, but based on the number of interviews he’s done, I simply expected more.
September 16, 2024
Such a beautiful book.
I have much to say, but I shall share a single thought instead.
I'll admit that despite my desires, and expectations, to be given at least a glimpse into his love with Ms.Ciccone, it was a strange relief to hear almost nothing.
It's poetic that their most intimate moments, absent from this book, are instead left to the quiet whispers of time's passage…
The same bolt never strikes twice.
“he has created work to intrigue generations to come. Only now will people be able to see the magnitude of his contribution.”
- Keith Haring
I have much to say, but I shall share a single thought instead.
I'll admit that despite my desires, and expectations, to be given at least a glimpse into his love with Ms.Ciccone, it was a strange relief to hear almost nothing.
It's poetic that their most intimate moments, absent from this book, are instead left to the quiet whispers of time's passage…
The same bolt never strikes twice.
“he has created work to intrigue generations to come. Only now will people be able to see the magnitude of his contribution.”
- Keith Haring
January 6, 2025
An introduction to Jean-Michael Basquiat, and his street art of story telling. I learned to look for the 3 pointed crown, writing, and black skulls. I saw a piece of his work in an extension room of the Egyption displays at the MET in NYNY. It was a wonderful learning experience because on of the women who knew him personally happened to be there and spent a great deal of time explaining his art to me. This book filled in a lot of blanks.
May 18, 2021
Even at full price ($25), this feels like the best value on my bookshelves. Beautiful compendium of my favorite artists work.
He became that when I saw Warhol/Basquiat works at The Warhol in Pgh. Those works are mostly missing in this and disparaged though the quotes are from the original showings.
He became that when I saw Warhol/Basquiat works at The Warhol in Pgh. Those works are mostly missing in this and disparaged though the quotes are from the original showings.
February 10, 2023
Great book showcasing all his works considering most of his works are in private collections and rarely exhibited. This artist has a niche of his own in the art world. The book has not much for his biography but his artworks are beautifully spread throughout the pages.
January 31, 2022
I thought it was more text to read, however it provided an insight into his art and life and allows for an appreciation of his works!
December 4, 2022
Great book to have a sense of Basquiat's evolution as an artist. A few biographical events are mentioned, but not in-depth.
January 3, 2023
royalty heroism streets!
January 19, 2023
A must have for any Basquiat fan. The sheer amount of work present here that I had never seen before were breathtaking. Truly a genius.
February 27, 2023
A really good beginners guide when you want to get to know Basquiat and his artwork.
September 30, 2023
kunstvoll
October 12, 2023
A retrospective of Basquiat's body of work. Vibrant colors and interesting messages. My favorite is "Warhol as a Banana."
November 11, 2024
Splendid!!!
I was not aware all the art that Basquiat produced in a short time, less than 10 years.
The essays about him are great and the pictures of all his are are amazing. Great book
I was not aware all the art that Basquiat produced in a short time, less than 10 years.
The essays about him are great and the pictures of all his are are amazing. Great book
January 12, 2025
muito mais do que uma monografia
September 5, 2023
Basquiat's art is wonderful, but the writing itself is lacking. 6/10
July 3, 2021
I saw some of Basquiat works for the first time back in the days when I was in high school and to be honest, I almost got upset watching his "art" (as I was so skeptic to call it at the time). In reality, I realized with the time that what really upset me was the fact that none of the teachers that I asked was able to explain to me what really Basquiat's art was all about. After many years I found this gorgeous book and I bought without even looking at the price tag. I read it thoroughly every night until I understood without any doubt what he was trying to communicate. The message is enormous and absolutely worth to be shared with the whole world.
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December 5, 2020This compact, glossy hardcover is a great addition to my art library. The essays which accompany this hefty volume are short and interesting. The images of Basquiat's work are vibrant. Taschen has done a good job.
February 20, 2022
For a book that deals with the wooly, subjective world of neo-expressionism, Basquiat XXL does an admirable job of balancing far-reaching analysis with cold, hard facts. After a few essays that encompass Jean-Michel Basquiat’s turbulent - albeit brief - life, the book then devotes a short, objective chapter to every year of his professional work. The pages upon pages of mind-warping art, all beautifully reproduced (as you might expect from Taschen), are brought back down to Earth by direct, biographical copy. Highly recommended.
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May 3, 2024SPOILER FREE
I liked this book!
I am a big fan of Jean-Michel Basquiat and his work so I went into this book with a fair amount of knowledge about him. However, even with that there was still quite a bit of new information, perspective, and stories about Basquiat for me to read about. I liked that the book was divided by his artistic periods, and the prints of his work included in this book were very high quality (I even used them as references for an art project back in high school). So if you like Basquiat or would like to know more about him, I highly recommend this book!
I liked this book!
I am a big fan of Jean-Michel Basquiat and his work so I went into this book with a fair amount of knowledge about him. However, even with that there was still quite a bit of new information, perspective, and stories about Basquiat for me to read about. I liked that the book was divided by his artistic periods, and the prints of his work included in this book were very high quality (I even used them as references for an art project back in high school). So if you like Basquiat or would like to know more about him, I highly recommend this book!
November 3, 2022
Combining biographical information with dissections of his art, Holzwarth brings a great context to numerous pieces by Basquiat. You learn why Basquiat made what he did, and why he was so Bleddy good at it.
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