Jean-Michel Basquiat’s (1960–1988) first solo show in 1982 sold out immediately; he was 21 years old. The young artist’s bold drawings commented on social issues such as racism, class struggle and fame using a graffiti-like style. Propelled into New York’s buzzing art scene, Basquiat mingled with icons like Keith Haring and Andy Warhol, and briefly dated Madonna. More than 100 of his drawings and paintings will be showcased at the Art Gallery of Ontario this coming year, in what will be Canada’s first large-scale Basquiat exhibition.
Basquiat runs from February 7, 2015–May 10, 2015 at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto.