Jean-Michel Basquiat
From Homeless Graffiti Artist to $100 Million Paintings
Net Worth
$10M
Born
December 22, 1960 (died age 28)
Country
United States
Occupation
Artist, Painter
Gender
male
Generation
Boomer
Marital Status
single
Children
0
Single Parent Household
No
Education
High School
Industries
creative
Wealth Category
multi-millionaire
Wealth Origin
self-made
First-Gen Wealth
Yes
Overcame
- • Mother institutionalized for mental illness when he was 10
- • Dropped out of high school at 17, lived on streets
- • Faced racism in predominantly white art world
- • Struggled with heroin addiction throughout career
Jean-Michel Basquiat was an American artist who rose from graffiti street artist to become one of the most important painters of the late 20th century. His raw, powerful works explored race, identity, and power in America. He died at 27 from a drug overdose, but his paintings now sell for over $100 million, making him one of the most valuable artists in history.
Career Timeline
Notable Quotes
"I don't think about art while I work. I try to think about life."
"I start a picture and I finish it. I don't think about art while I'm doing it."
"I wanted to be a star, not a gallery mascot."
"Believe it or not, I can actually draw."