
Andy Warhol’s rise to fame began in 1960, and it was during this time that Basquiat spent his formative years in Brooklyn. By the time he was 24 years old, he had become known as a “Brother in Art” to the illustrious Warhol himself.
If you have had the opportunity to attend a Basquiat exhibition, it is undeniable that his paintings leave a lasting impression. The scale, force, and distinct style are all distinctive characteristics of Basquiat’s work. Some may argue that his success led to his demise as a person, but his art continues to captivate. It could even be said that his untimely death was a blessing, as his limited output over a decade remains consistently impressive. Each piece is original in appearance, with its own language and technique, making it a coveted addition to any prestigious Modern Art collection (although only a select few can afford the high price).
I had the privilege of attending the Basquiat exhibition at the Beyeler Museum in Basel about six years ago, and I was utterly mesmerized. The Beyeler may be a small museum in Europe, but its collection is nothing short of breathtaking. I spent at least three separate occasions admiring all the paintings before finally leaving the museum. If someone were to ask me what my favorite exhibition of the last decade was, without a doubt, this would be it. It is a rare opportunity to witness so many of Basquiat’s greatest works all in one place. If you ever have the chance to attend a Basquiat exhibition, do not hesitate to go out of your way to see it, as these paintings are truly phenomenal.
For those interested, I have some exquisite Basquiat items available on my website www.ftn-books.com.







