Basquiat gay painter

Jean-Michel Basquiat (French pronunciation: [ʒɑ̃ miʃɛl baskja]; December 22, – August 12, ) was an American artist who rose to success during the s as part of the neo-expressionism movement.

Basquiat used social commentary in his paintings as a tool for self-examination, and for identifying with his experiences in the Black community of his time, as well as attacking power structures and systems of racism. His visual style was acutely political and direct in his criticism of colonialism and his support for class struggle.