how many paintings did basquiat paint

how many paintings did basquiat paint?

Obnoxious Liberals

Obnoxious Liberals, Jean Michel Basquiat

Jean-Michel Basquiat created more than 600 paintings during his prolific career. In addition to these canvases, he produced over 1,500 drawings. His output began to expand significantly around 1979 when he started creating sculptures and mixed media works, following his time using the SAMO graffiti tag.

The artist's most commercially significant period occurred in 1982. During this year, his top three auction paintings were produced, marking a peak in his market value. His first painting sale took place in 1981, when he sold Cadillac Moon to Debbie Harry for $200.

His high volume of production is reflected in several major works held in private and public collections:

• Untitled (1982 skull painting), which sold for $110.5 million at Sotheby's in 2017.
• Obnoxious Liberals (1981), currently held in The Broad museum.
• Untitled (Car Crash) (1980), an acrylic and oilstick work on burlap.

How does his output compare to other Neo-Expressionist artists?

Basquiat’s output is defined by an intense, rapid production rate that helped him become a central figure in the Neo-Expressionist movement. He transitioned quickly from street-based graffiti to large-scale canvas works, maintaining a high volume of both paintings and drawings throughout the 1980s.

His work is characterized by a unique synthesis of influences, including tribal art, comic books, and historical painting. Between 1984 and 1985, he engaged in a series of collaborative artworks with Andy Warhol, contrasting his energetic style with Warhol's methods.

The scale and variety of his work demonstrate a significant presence in the art world:

• Large-scale canvases such as Obnoxious Liberals measure 68 x 102 inches.
• Diverse media including acrylic, oilstick, spray paint, and paper collage.
• A rapid ascent from his 1980 abandonment of the SAMO tag to global recognition.

Which materials did he use for his paintings?

Basquiat utilized a wide array of materials to achieve his signature texture, including acrylic paint, oilstick, spray paint, and markers. He frequently worked on unconventional surfaces such as wood, burlap, and mirrors, often incorporating paper collage to create layered, complex compositions.

His technique involves a heavy, palpable application of paint that emphasizes physical engagement with the canvas. This is evident in works like Minor Success (1980), which utilizes acrylic, oil stick, and gold paint on a mirror and wood surface.

Commonly used materials and surfaces in his body of work include:

• Paints: Acrylic, oil, spray enamel, and metallic paint.
• Drawing Tools: Oilstick, pencil, and markers.
• Supports: Canvas, wood, burlap, and mirror.