Jean-Michel Basquiat, “a social star”, “a bold painter”, “a rebellious graffiti artist”, “a great lover of music”… All sorts of labels have been stuck to him, but while all seemed relevant, none were sufficient. He constantly challenged this – ’I am not a black artist, I am an artist!’ – he was loud and he surpassed all his own strengths, not just for himself, not just for all African Americans, but also for us; he wanted to provide a new perspective on art, culture, politics and humanity. Basquiat definitely succeeded in shaking up the world. He sought to talk to us above all else, so let’s try to listen to and look at him. Let’s be a close friend, by bearing witness to his creations in his studio; by diving into the music that inspired him; by joining his social circle.
