Exploring Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Artistic Breakthroughs in Los Angeles
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s time living in Los Angeles from 1982 to 1984 is a significant yet often overlooked period in his artistic journey. Recently, a collection of 25 paintings rumored to be from this time was seized by the FBI for suspected forgeries. In response, Larry Gagosian and Fred Hoffman curated an exhibition titled “Jean-Michel Basquiat: Made on Market Street” to showcase the artist’s authentic works from his time in LA. The exhibition features pieces, including “Hollywood Africans,” and aims to highlight Basquiat’s artistic integrity.
Gagosian emphasizes that the exhibition is not a response to the controversial claims surrounding Basquiat’s time in LA but rather a tribute to the artist’s creative output during this period. The show includes works created on Market Street, such as “Flexible” (1984), which showcases Basquiat’s innovative approach to painting on wooden fencing.
Of the 30 works on display, only a few are available for purchase, with the rest either owned by institutions like the Whitney Museum or held by private collectors. Gagosian’s connection to Basquiat dates back to the early ’80s when he recognized the artist’s talent and showcased his work in New York and LA.
Basquiat’s time in LA was marked by artistic experimentation and collaboration with figures from the hip-hop scene. Works like “Tuxedo” reflect his exploration of race and identity in a predominantly white world. Hoffman believes that Basquiat’s LA works challenge the perception of him solely as a street artist, positioning him as a painter deeply rooted in modern art traditions.
Overall, the exhibition offers a unique insight into Basquiat’s artistic evolution and highlights the importance of his time spent creating in Los Angeles.
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Naz Baydar graduated from Middle East Technical University with a degree in Product Design. She furthered her education by completing a master’s degree in Art Direction at Elisava in Barcelona. Her work blends art direction, multimedia narratives, and design to craft innovative and transformative experiences. Naz is passionate about creating visual stories that evoke strong emotions and deliver meaningful impact. In addition to her work, she has a deep interest in philosophy and literature, which continuously inspire and enrich her creative process.