Jean-Michel Basquiat was an American artist born in Brooklyn, New York in 1960. He began his artistic career as a graffiti artist in the late 1970s, using the pseudonym SAMO. In the early 1980s, he transitioned to painting and quickly gained recognition for his unique style, which combined elements of street art, neo-expressionism, and primitivism. Basquiat's work often explored themes of race, identity, and social commentary, and he frequently incorporated text and symbols into his paintings. He gained international acclaim in the art world and became a prominent figure in the New York art scene. However, Basquiat struggled with drug addiction and died of a heroin overdose in 1988 at the age of 27. Despite his short career, Basquiat's impact on the art world has been significant, and his work continues to inspire and influence artists today.