Jean-Michel Basquiat was a prominent American artist known for his raw, expressive works that combined elements of graffiti, abstract art, and neo-expressionism. Emerging from the street art scene in New York City during the late 1970s and early 1980s, Basquiat's art often addressed themes of race, identity, and social inequality. His vibrant, energetic style and provocative imagery made him a leading figure in contemporary art until his untimely death in 1988.