write a paper about jean michel basquiat using the following information
I. Introduction Paragraph
A. Include a quote about or from the famous person. (Unnecessary but good start for paper)
B. Explain the quote.
C. Relate the quote to your thesis.
D. Thesis "So and so was an important figure in American History because...."
II. Early life/Childhood
A. Birth
a. When?
b. Where?
c. Parents
B. Education
C. Significant events that impacted the person they would become.
IIL Beginning of career/impact on the world.
A. Who influenced the person to become who they were?
B. What started their career?
a. Detail when they first entered the field they were famous for
b. Explain any lessons they may have learned from that first event.
C. What did they have to overcome to become who they were?
IV. Significant accomplishments
A. What did the person do to become famous?
B. Detail several events or accomplishments.
a. Describe what they did or created.
b. The majority of the paper
Famous Person Research Paper
C. Highlight any pitfalls or problems.
V. Impact on the world
A. How is America or the world different because they lived?
B. Detail how their field (war, entertainment, politics, etc) changed because they lived.
VI. Lessons learned from their life (closing)
A. What personality traits did the person possess that made them great?
B. How can you apply those lessons to your life?
C. What makes this person someone to look up to?
Jean-Michel Basquiat: An Icon in American History
"Art is how we decorate space; music is how we decorate time." - Jean-Michel Basquiat
This quote by the renowned artist Jean-Michel Basquiat encapsulates his unique perspective on art and its relationship to time. Basquiat was an important figure in American history because his artistic contributions challenged societal norms, elevated the status of street art, and provided a platform for marginalized voices to be heard.
Born on December 22, 1960, in Brooklyn, New York, Basquiat's early life was marked by creativity and talent. His parents, Gérard Basquiat and Matilde Andrades, instilled in him a love for art and culture. His mother, who was Puerto Rican, Haitian, and of Spanish descent, played a significant role in shaping Basquiat's multicultural identity. His father's presence shaped his artistic abilities, as he would bring home books on anatomy and history, which fueled Basquiat's early artistic experimentation.
Despite being an exceptional student in school, Basquiat faced numerous hurdles that impacted the person he would become. His parents' divorce during his adolescence greatly affected him emotionally and led to instability in his life. However, Basquiat found solace in art and began creating graffiti under the pseudonym SAMO. This rebellious act of defying authority through his artistic expression marked the beginning of Basquiat's career and foreshadowed his impact on the world.
Basquiat's career was profoundly influenced by a multitude of people and experiences. One of his early mentors was Jerry Saltz, an art critic, who recognized Basquiat's talent and encouraged him to pursue his artistic aspirations. Additionally, Basquiat's encounters with renowned artists and musicians, such as Andy Warhol and David Bowie, further influenced his artistic development and propelled him into the art scene.
In 1980, Basquiat's career catapulted when he made his first public exhibition at the Times Square Show. This event served as a turning point for Basquiat, as it exposed him to a wider audience and validated his unique artistic style. From this experience, Basquiat learned the importance of perseverance and the significance of his own voice in the art world.
Throughout his career, Basquiat faced numerous challenges in overcoming societal and racial barriers. As an African American artist in the predominantly white art world, Basquiat constantly battled stereotypes and racism. However, he managed to navigate these obstacles by leveraging his unique perspective and using his art as a means of commentary on social issues such as racism, inequality, and the historical experience of African Americans.
Basquiat's significant accomplishments are a testament to his immense talent and impact on the art world. He gained fame through his unique blend of graffiti art, neo-expressionism, and primitivism, which spoke to the human experience and the struggles faced by marginalized communities. His bold and vivid paintings, often characterized by striking symbols and text, captivated audiences and challenged traditional notions of what art could be.
Despite his rise to fame, Basquiat also faced pitfalls and problems throughout his life. The pressures of fame and success took a toll on his mental health, leading him to turn to drugs to cope with the overwhelming demands of the art world. Tragically, Basquiat passed away on August 12, 1988, at the age of 27, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy and a profound impact on the art world.
Basquiat's impact on the world cannot be overstated. He reshaped the art scene by elevating street art to the realm of high art and introducing diverse narratives into mainstream consciousness. His ability to challenge societal norms and give a voice to marginalized communities left an indelible mark on American culture. Basquiat's influence extended beyond the art world, inspiring future generations of artists, musicians, and activists to use their platform to address social injustices.
The lessons we can learn from Basquiat's life are invaluable. His dedication to his craft, resilience in the face of adversity, and unwavering commitment to authenticity make him a figure to look up to. Basquiat's immense talent teaches us the importance of self-expression and the power of art as a catalyst for change. Through his art, he immortalized the struggles of communities often overlooked and served as a reminder that creativity knows no bounds.
In conclusion, Jean-Michel Basquiat was an important figure in American history due to his significant contributions to the art world, his ability to challenge societal norms, and his amplification of marginalized voices. His life reminds us of the transformative power of art and its ability to transcend boundaries and effect change. Basquiat's legacy lives on, inspiring generations to come to use their creativity to create a better, more inclusive world.