Jean-Michel Basquiat - “Hollywood Africans” 1983
Jean-Michel Basquiat - “Hollywood Africans” 1983
Jean-Michel Basquiat is one of the most well known African American artists in art history. His art was well known nationally and internationally and recognized by many as one of the greatest neo-expressionists of all time. Basquiat was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1960 to a Haitian father and Puerto Rican mother. He was raised in a creative, multicultural environment, where he showed early artistic talent, particularly in drawing. At age seven, Basquiat was hospitalized after a car accident, during which his mother gave him a copy of Gray’s Anatomy, influencing his later works. He began as a graffiti artist under the pseudonym "SAMO" in the late 1970s, he gained attention from many for his distinct style in the Graffiti world. Later he transitioned to painting, drawing from his experiences growing up in a working-class, multicultural neighborhood. Basquiat’s work often explored themes of race, identity, and social inequality, reflecting his struggles as an African American artist in the predominantly white art world. His collaboration with famous artist Andy Warhol (known for his popular pop-art pieces) further elevated his status in the art world. Despite his struggles his raw talent and unconventional approach to painting quickly made him an influential figure.
“Hollywood Africans” is one of a series of Jean-Michel Basquiat's paintings that feature images and texts relating to stereotypes of African Americans in the entertainment industry. Painted in Los Angeles, in 1983 the piece shows an incredible use of vibrant colors, texts, and symbolistic images. The painting offers a powerful commentary on race, identity, and the African American experience within the entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood. From an Art history point of view the painting reflects Basquiat's consistent exploration of African American culture, oppression, and the stereotypes faced by Black individuals in mainstream media. The title "Hollywood Africans" itself is a critique, it highlights the way African American performers and artists were often reduced to stereotypical roles in Hollywood. The cryptic text in the painting serves as a voice of resistance, questioning racial identities and the commercial exploitation of Black culture. Words such as “Gangsterism” are included in the piece to highlight the stereotypes that are subjected to African Americans. Basquiat often incorporated words like "sick," "death," or "decay" in his work, using them to express the dehumanizing aspects of life, particularly for marginalized/underrepresented groups. These words may refer to the destructive nature of systemic racism, which takes away from the individuality of Black artists. Basquiat frequently uses bold, primitive-like faces in his work, often depicting African masks. In "Hollywood Africans," the exaggerated features suggest the commodification and caricaturization of Black identity in popular culture. These faces convey a contrasting sense of strength and alienation. The signature crown symbol is a recurring motif throughout Basquiat’s work, representing royalty, power, and self-empowerment. In "Hollywood Africans," it can be seen as a symbol of defiance, asserting the dignity and worth of African Americans despite the oppressive forces around them. The contrast between the black and white in the painting highlights the racial divide and tension, alluding to the complexities of race in a predominantly white industry. Other symbolistic word choices such as Tobacco and sugar cane alludes to the slave trade, this is also why Basquiat is considered to be a great part of the “Black Arts Movement”, a movement that involved African American artists who did not conform with mainstream views.
Although his career was successful, Basquiat struggled with substance abuse and the pressures of fame, leading to his untimely death at 27 from a heroin overdose. Today, he is regarded as one of the most influential artists of the late 20th century, with his works commanding millions at auction and continuing to resonate with contemporary themes of race and power. In this series I will cover many famous and infamous African American artists to bring light to these often minoritized and underrepresented artists in a predominantly white art society. Do you resonate with the neo-expressionism art of Jean-Michel Basquiat?
Jean-Michel Basquiat - “Hollywood Africans” 1983 (210 cm × 210 cm (84 in × 84 in)
