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| Photo: Ungry Young Man, Wikimedia. |
However, there is a surprising connection between these two artists, as Banksy has paid tribute to Basquiat's legacy through his work, and Basquiat's influence can be seen in Banksy's art.
Banksy's Tribute to Basquiat
One of the most notable examples of Banksy's tribute to Basquiat is his mural "Mild Mild West," which was created in Bristol, England, in 1999. The mural features a giant robot wielding a bouquet of flowers, surrounded by police officers with shields and batons. The robot is wearing a crown of thorns, a clear reference to Basquiat's own use of the crown motif in his paintings.
Banksy's use of the crown motif is not the only reference to Basquiat in his work. Banksy has also created stenciled images of Basquiat's iconic "SAMO" tag, which Basquiat used to sign his graffiti works in the 1970s. Banksy's use of the tag is a clear tribute to Basquiat's influence on street art and graffiti culture.
Basquiat's Influence on Banksy's Work
Basquiat's influence on Banksy's work can be seen in a number of ways. Like Basquiat, Banksy often incorporates political and social commentary into his art, using his work to criticise authority and call attention to issues of inequality and injustice.
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| Photo: Ungry Young Man, Wikimedia Commons |
Banksy's use of stencils and spray paint is also reminiscent of Basquiat's use of bold, raw and expressive brushstrokes. Both artists used unconventional techniques and materials to create their art, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms and challenging the status quo.
Another way in which Basquiat influenced Banksy is through his use of text and language in his art. Basquiat often incorporated words and phrases into his paintings, using them as a form of social and political commentary. Banksy has also used text in his art, often creating stenciled images of slogans and messages that are provocative and thought-provoking.
Conclusion
The connection between Banksy and Basquiat may not be immediately apparent, but a closer look at their art reveals a deep appreciation and respect for each other's work. Banksy's tribute to Basquiat's legacy and his use of the crown motif and "SAMO" tag are a clear indication of his admiration for Basquiat's contributions to street art and graffiti culture.
Basquiat's influence on Banksy can also be seen in his use of political and social commentary, unconventional techniques and materials, and text and language in his art. While they may have worked in different times and in different media, Banksy and Basquiat are united by a shared vision of art as a powerful tool for social change and commentary.
7 interesting facts about Banksy and Basquiat
Banksy:
1. Banksy's true identity is still unknown, despite numerous attempts to uncover it. Banksy has managed to keep his identity a secret, even as his work has become internationally recognised.
2. Banksy's first solo exhibition took place in 2000 in Bristol, England. The exhibition was called "Banksy: The Mild Mild West" and featured some of his most iconic works.
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| Photo by Nicolas J Leclercq |
3. Banksy once opened a pop-up shop in London called "Gross Domestic Product." The shop featured limited-edition Banksy merchandise and was set up to combat unauthorised sellers of Banksy works.
4. Banksy's "Girl with Balloon" painting famously self-destructed at an auction in 2018. The painting shredded itself through a hidden mechanism in the frame, leaving the stunned audience watching in shock.
5. Banksy once created a hotel in Bethlehem, Palestine, called the Walled Off Hotel. The hotel is located near the separation wall between Israel and Palestine and features Banksy's art throughout the rooms and public areas.
6. Banksy has created a number of politically charged works, including a mural in Dover, England, that depicts the EU flag with a worker chipping away at one of the stars.
7. Banksy's work has sold for millions of dollars at auction, with some pieces reaching upwards of $10 million. However, Banksy has criticised the commodification of art and continues to create works that challenge the status quo.
Basquiat:
1. Basquiat was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1960 to a Haitian father and Puerto Rican mother. His multicultural background heavily influenced his art.
2. Basquiat was a graffiti artist before he turned to painting. He used the tag "SAMO" to sign his graffiti works, which became famous in the New York City art scene.
3. Basquiat was one of the youngest artists to ever participate in the Whitney Biennial in 1983, at the age of 22.
4. Basquiat was a close friend and collaborator of artist Andy Warhol. The two artists created a number of works together, including a series of paintings that featured Warhol's signature soup cans with Basquiat's drawings over them.
5. Basquiat's works often featured references to music, literature, and African American culture. He drew inspiration from jazz, blues, and hip hop, as well as writers like William Burroughs and Jack Kerouac.
6. Basquiat's works have sold for millions of dollars at auction, with his painting "Untitled" selling for $110.5 million in 2017, setting a record for the highest price ever paid for a work by an American artist.
7. Basquiat died tragically at the age of 27 from a heroin overdose. His legacy as an influential and groundbreaking artist has continued to grow since his death, with his works inspiring a new generation of artists.