A New Look into the World of Jean-Michel Basquiat

Last month, luxury publishing house Assouline announced the release of a new collectable book on the work of the legendary artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat. Produced in partnership with international art dealership Colour Themes, Basquiat: The World of Jean-Michel is the newest offering from the Assouline Ultimate Collection. Alongside over 200 paintings and archive images from Basquiat’s collection, the work also features contributions from an illustrious range of voices, including artist George Condo, musician Lenny Kravitz, and American art collector Peter Brandt. Of particular note is a reflection from the late Swiss art dealer and collector, Bruno Bischofberger, renowned for bringing Basquiat and his contemporary, Andy Warhol, together.

A bastion of the Neo-expressionist movement, Basquiat’s artistic legacy remains as pertinent as ever. The new offering from Assouline diverges from a traditional monograph, choosing instead to focus on the raw, revolutionary spirit of the artist by dividing the book into a series of 6 chapters, each giving insight into a unique aspect from the past 65 years of his enduring cultural influence. Complementing the visuals is text included from those within Basquiat’s personal network, like equally renowned artist and activist, Keith Haring. 

In offering a glimpse into the inner workings of an artistic powerhouse, Basquiat: The World of Jean-Michel illustrates how far his legacy transcends the canvas. Nearly 4 decades on from his passing, Basquiat continues to challenge and inspire conversations around identity, culture, and power — themes that remain as prescient today as they were in 1988.

Basquiat: The World of Jean-Michel is currently available online at eu.assouline.com.