Irony of Negro Policeman, 1981

Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988) was a New York born artist who radicalised the international art scene in the 80s. He famously worked alongside like-minded artists Andy Warhol and Keith Haring. Basquiat’s bold, Neo-Expressionist style is mixed with street poetry and pop references. With a fearless approach to colour and composition, he balanced opposing forces with control and spontaneity, menace and humour, urban grit and primal expression.