Jean-Michel BasquiatDecember 22, 1960- August 12. 1988

New York

Recently, his painting sold for $ 110.5 M

Before BanksyGraffiti art, using spray paint

Art focuses on wealth vs. poverty, integration vs. segregation

Attacks power structures and systematic racism, also class struggle

He went from being homeless, unemployed to selling a single painting for up to $25, 000.

Recently sold a painting for $ 110.5 M

VIDEO

Untitled (History of the Black People)Reclaiming Egypt, historians (media) forgetting Egyptians were black

Commenting on slavery in past as well

Nubian style masks to depict, in Egypt, slaves were of darker skin colour, commenting on racism against skin colourThe sickle (harvest tool) is in reference to slave trade in America

Art can inspire, and also challenge society...“The Sunshine State by Justyne Fischer reflects the artist’s reaction to a tragic outcome for the young African American boys; Treyvon Martin and Jordan Davis, both victims of the Stand Your Ground law in Florida. The historical reference to lynching reflects the pain, grief, and complexity of the racial divide that the black community has dealt with for too many years.”

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-pleasant/artists-as-activists-purs_b_11783614.html

Art can be a tool to promote change, promote equity“Nancy Ohianian’s conceptual piece, EPA Regulations is a powerful and visual reminder of what environmental injustice looks like. Implied are the effects of race and politics on a human right as simple as clean and safe drinking water. The irony not lost that in the most developed country in the world one of Michigan’s poorest and blackest communities have not had access to safe or clean water.”

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-pleasant/artists-as-activists-purs_b_11783614.html

In backlash against H&M’s recent advertisement.