The chaotic brilliance of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat - Jordana Moore Saggese

Learn about the life of American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, from his start as part of graffiti duo SAMO to his rise as an internationally renowned painter.
--
Like Beat writers who composed their work by shredding and reassembling scraps of writing, artist Jean-Michel Basquiat used similar techniques to remix his materials. Pulling in splintered anatomy, reimagined historical scenes and skulls, he repurposed present day experiences and art history into an inventive visual language. Jordana Moore Saggese explores the chaotic and prolific art of Basquiat.
Lesson by Jordana Moore Saggese, directed by Héloïse Dorsan Rachet.
Sign up for our newsletter: bit.ly/TEDEdNewsletter
Support us on Patreon: bit.ly/TEDEdPatreon
Follow us on Facebook: bit.ly/TEDEdFacebook
Find us on Twitter: bit.ly/TEDEdTwitter
Peep us on Instagram: bit.ly/TEDEdInstagram
View full lesson: ed.ted.com/lessons/the-chaoti...
Thank you so much to our patrons for your support! Without you this video would not be possible! Lee, Karthik Balsubramanian, Mathew Samuel, Turine Tran, Ido brown, Nathaniel Lupus, Anthony Benedict, Helen Lee, Minh Tran, Sami Khan, John Hong, Abeer Rajbeen, Yambu Ganesh Shaw, Aline de Paula Zillig, ml cohen, Ritul Raghavan, Mada Arslan, Nathan Giusti, Steven Razey, paul g mohney, Marisa Miller, Xavier dupont, Eliza Cram, David Lucsanyi, Vack91, calista, Mickey Mikeworth, Khalid AlAli, June Reiling, Jai Prasanth, Connor Ross McIntyre, Michele Lynn Rose, Elija Peterson, Kaitlyn holland, Scott Markley, Jan-Erik , Auxiliadora Trejos, Josue Perez Miranda, Jesse Jurman, NinjaBoffin, Siobhan O'Connor Gwozdz, Po Foon Kwong, Nazmul Idris, Vladimir Ivanchenko, Elizabeth Gu, Felderblick, Faizan, Rayo, Rare Media and France Lipuzic.

[@NathanGatten]

He saved abstract art from oblivion, and had the guts to talk back when critics targeted his work. Blended street art and high art. Stood up against tokenism and racism in the standpoint theory driven art world. A sheer inspiration for me.

[@sethleoric2598]

Yeah, this is abstract not a rock on a bridge.t *this is out of bounds abstract stuff*

[@thomasrainbow]

Well said

[@thomasrainbow]

@ItsTh3o No but it's derivative of it

[@hlhihlhi7204]

lol this sounds like people who didn´t grow up in the era or culture

[@novelsolutions601]

He's such a legend, real artist.

[@minhhieu7658]

People making this such video are also amazing artists.

[@miriamluthi1306]

Hiếu Nguyễn tôi đồng ý

[@minhhieu7658]

@@miriamluthi1306 thanks for the effort

[@allen8376]

Exactly my thought! :)

[@thomasrainbow]

I also agree. Excellent animation, voice production, editing, animation, music, etc.. Great work!

[@krisbaseofficial]

VERY TRUE

[@aroseh]

i think the fact that he never learnt art at a professional level really helped to make him the artist he was. he made art based purely on his own taste and experimentation, and defined art for himself, rather than worrying about how other people defined it and conforming to that.

[@miked4309]

he often said he would rather see the art of children than real artists any day.

[@Anthony-uf3oz]

learnt ???

[@aroseh]

Anthony LoDuca yeah?? it can be either ‘learned’ or ‘learnt’, they’re both correct. i think ‘learnt’ is more common outside america though (i’m australian)

[@miked4309]

@@aroseh yes..that is true..i had to look it up. canadians use the kings english too. like colour instead of color. or favourite instead of favorite. i get red lines on the words not the american version.

[@muslihat2487]

well said man thank you

[@cramerfloro5936]

I love how the animation you use when talking about a certain artist or piece of art is similar to its style yet very distinct

[@thomasrainbow]

It's so well done

[@cai6972]

So it's like sample based experimental hip hop but in visual art.

[@youwerehere9]

Yokai This is such an excellent description omg

[@mulefa1]

yeah that's how I've always seen basquiat, and he was doing this before hip hop was even really an established thing, mans a genius

[@thomasrainbow]

Totally

[@thomasrainbow]

@@mulefa1 Maybe not "before" but during

[@2kerosene]

definitely before

[@albertdiaz8730]

I've seen quite a few BASQUIAT history video/film attempts. Mostly uninspired and misleading. This is a good one, well researched and very eloquently delivered.

[@NathMainA99]

wait, you are al diaz, i'm inspired by you and basquiat

[@onlyplayaseattacoswiththei9433]

Al, 😂😂😂 I literally came here to say "thank god they put Al in this. He'd be pissed😊 from 1 grafitti artist to another, luv you man.

[@Johnny-tz3yd]

You should watch Jean Michael Basquiat: Radiant Child, it has loads of interviews with basquiat and his friends and shows not only his artwork but also his artistic process and the personal and emotional struggles he experienced throughout life.

[@albertdiaz8730]

Yeah, I'm one of those friends that was interviewed for the film but thanks for the tip....@@Johnny-tz3yd

[@cameronsunderland6862]

looks like you didn't watch it properly if you don't know who al diaz is hahaha@@Johnny-tz3yd

[@Hellismary]

Simply put :Beautiful. Thank you for shedding light on Basquiat, such an inspiration to myself and others ! He needs to be spoken about more imo

[@davide9809]

1:47 love the detail of how he sold his postcard to Andy Warhol, even though it was not mentioned

[@sassoon1126]

yehhhh man saw that too

[@lilliec6083]

By far the most insightful and dreamlike person I have ever read about. I would give anything to sit down with him and have a conversation. Maybe in the next life.

[@DixonDixon65]

@lillie c I dont think Basquiat was the type to sit down for a chat. I knew him back in those days. He didn't trust many people outside his circle. Very aloof...painfully aloof.

[@johanvajse8410]

and you'd have to hope he hadn't just shot up so that he'd be able to talk

[@omarhabib7411]

​@@DixonDixon65 yea man i believe you 1000%

[@madmady8278]

I was so privileged to be able to see a-lot of his work in an exhibition early this year. It was in conjunction with Keith Harring, and while I did love Harrings work, I left the exhibition with the distinct feeling that Basquiat had far more to say beneath the surface of his canvases. I also think it was the first exhibition to ever make me cry, it took us about an hour to walk through, chronologically going through the artists lives, and by the end when you get to the last paintings he made, there was a big art piece of Basquiats crowns stacked into a mountain that Harring painted for his friend, and I started to tear up. I couldn't even read Harrings speech from the funeral because I was too sad. Then finding out that Harring died just after from Aids was heart breaking. An amazing artist, I wish the art world was open to new ideas and new pieces, new artists from different places.

[@whytee-zq6wi]

For real and this makes you an expert. I own 18 your wak

[@Soulhealingenergy]

Basquiat!! Breathtaking, visceral, raw, beauty. One of his pieces is at the Broad here in LA and I remember just being mesmerized by it, my heart skipped a beat and eyes filled with tears to be standing infront of a piece he created . 💕🌱💕

[@driversoflondon5611]

You its name?

[@keshav_p]

Could you share the name of it?

[@killziggy]

i love how attached he was toward his art and didn’t let anyone talk down on his work ever, basquiat is my favorite artist of all time and will always be, definitely influenced a lot of my own art, definitely inspires me to work on my art a lot more and not to give up on it.

[@ktiitfa2491]

wow a lot of your subscriptions raiding my cultures. cool.

[@africanbella28]

His artwork is so thought-provoking, beautiful, and brilliant. It’s a shame that he wasn’t truly appreciated by the art world until after he died. He seemed like a highly intelligent introvert and I would have loved to have a conversation with him💜💛💜

[@sebastianelytron8450]

Can't resist clicking a new Ted-Ed video!

[@tanish2478]

same

[@VannaMae]

Ah Twinsen's Odyssey❤️

[@nathanyleal]

His mind and his work are something else. Thank you so much for this incredible video!

[@JTytshorts]

I had been looking for a good video on Basquiat for a while, then TED-Ed comes along and delivers an amazing video! Thanks!

[@jetcool8557]

I think this is one of my favorite videos

[@chahun4524]

Mine after the poem series video

[@youwouldaslippedthoo3439]

Basquiat inspired..kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGqoiWibdt2Bj8k

[@kkslider3506]

Would love to see a Keith Haring video!

[@urvashibalasubramaniam6785]

I thought that too when I watched this!

[@HarlemGreatest]

He was fabulous. We are both proud alumni of West Side High School. Alternative high schools need more positive light ..

Warhol helped....

[@HarlemGreatest]

T Clark don’t be jealous or try to minimize others achievements. Go sell something for a million dollars. We don’t have to put others down in order to rise.

[@onlyplayaseattacoswiththei9433]

@ yes, & JM helped Warhol also 😊

[@ziraprod6090]

or just better schools in the first place.

[@mayfly4000]

Couldn't resist immediately watching, especially with thumbnail. GJ

[@m0zarts-animation]

I’ve loved Basquiat since I saw the 1996 film about him - I’m so glad TedEd made this video!!! I love his work

[@whoisonmars963]

I love Basquiat and this video was beautifully made and the narrators voice is so comforting

[@BunstanMcFunkstan]

Beautifully written Jordana thankyou for this! First Basquiat movie I've seen that doesn't focus on the drugs trajectory but on his accomplishments THANKYOU :) :) :)

[@djork6518]

this-the video and the artist-is brilliance. i’m going to go check him out now

[@NatashaVincent]

Just when you think you can't like Basquiat more, here comes Ted-Ed 😍

[@Johnny-tz3yd]

Every time I see a video about basquiat I just have too watch, great quick summary of his life, hope it inspires some viewers to go search him up.

[@AdityaSingh-bz6dg]

Every time I get a notification from ted ed its sure than would see it at that time as i cant resist myself😍😍

[@nabhchandra_]

Hey bro!

[@AdityaSingh-bz6dg]

@@nabhchandra_ hiiiii😙

[@AdityaSingh-bz6dg]

@@nabhchandra_ chlo isi pr batt krte h 😂😂😂😂

[@nabhchandra_]

@@AdityaSingh-bz6dg 😂thik h

[@AdityaSingh-bz6dg]

@@nabhchandra_ 😂😂😂😂

[@kristychung6902]

There is an exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria here in Melbourne displaying Jean-Michel Basqiat and Keith Haring’s works. Simply iconic, I am so disappointed I can’t go because of the pandemic, but the virtual tours are amazing.

[@beatriznascimento4332]

Eu fui na exposição dele em BH. Fiquei MUITO emocionada. A impressão que tive é que ele tinha acabado de terminas as obras, qie tinha saído de lá minutos antes de chegarmos.

[@ms.marvelous7019]

Sucks that artists’ work is worth millions only AFTER we are dead 💀 RIP

[@gawdbody6710]

Banksy??

[@africanbella28]

I was thinking the same thing😞

[@basquiat9015]

That's robbery. Royalties etc and proceeds are dominated by the institutions.

[@DeymarEsco808]

Mmmhhh not with him I don’t believe , his art is genius raw pure etc even if he was alive I believe it still cost as it was sold now

[@brienfoaboutanything9037]

Wikipedia about Jean-Michel Basquiat: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGXCqWWad5Vgh8k

[@keithevans2722]

Thank You Ted-Ed for educating the masses

[@Idontknowho.]

This video is beautifully put together 💜

[@mehrdadmohajer3847]

Beautiful mind , beautiful painting & beautiful memories. Thank you 🍻

[@user-bl5js5uk2k]

This video was amazing for my art students, thank you so much!

[@Mitzuoyan]

Finally! I've seen works since forever and always found them to be scribbles. However, I know that he is a celebrated painter but I don't know why. Thank you for this awesome explanation of his works!

[@missingnoo88]

To be honest... these paintings still look like scribbles to me. Even after watching this video. I don´t get why his paintings would be this expensive. I don´t this kind of art at all. =/

[@Mitzuoyan]

@@missingnoo88 hahah I feel you. But our perception of beauty have always been changing through time and space. So in the end, I really can't judge beauty, i guess, im pretty much neutral when it comes to modern art in general :P

[@user-cl6fr7mq7l]

Art is not about beauty

[@nicktaylor1902]

@@user-cl6fr7mq7l but nevertheless, Basquiat is beautiful.

[@user-cl6fr7mq7l]

Nick Taylor also true

[@gabriele9455]

Saw his work at The Broad a couple of weeks ago; brilliant pieces.

[@vuiwv]

He's dead? Oh man, so he's in the 27 Club...

[@SAMack-xd2fn]

With Jimi and Janis Joplin

[@thomasrainbow]

@@SAMack-xd2fn Kurt Cobain too

[@thomasrainbow]

Being in my late 30s now 27 is a very interesting age to me. It's right before you really start developing into the man you will become.

[@salamander981]

Sadly yes, along with Brian Jones.

[@sonny5299]

Nah

[@jinkkss]

He changed the art world. Thank you my idol 🙏

[@winterflowerreads]

Such an interesting and beautifully animated video!!

[@nehaljain2511]

The story of Jean is so heart touching and motivating.💜💜💜

[@satnamo]

What good is beautiful. Simple is beautiful. Simple- But not too simple. Simplicity is das ultimate form of art.

[@redefineart1219]

Great piece, loved every bits of it!

[@santoroy2120]

Ted-Ed I love you guys, I love watching these, great stuff, great job to you guys the animators, writers, and narrators, keep up the good work :)

[@Rachel-fi4sc]

How have I never heard of him or seen his work? Thank you, TedEd, for educating.

[@cassidy7684]

i just got this in my recommended, and i’m going to the exhibit tomorrow lol

[@zixinlai1459]

i found it a crime when i realized how much i could learn within 10 minutes. i 've just wasted about 4 hours today watching some silly gameplay walkthrough.

[@youwouldaslippedthoo3439]

Basquiat inspired..kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGqoiWibdt2Bj8k

[@ziraprod6090]

Try PragerU

[@pompiertiago8379]

I had the opportunity, from an exposition of Basquiat here in Brazil. Incredible ... Magnificent ...

[@casteretpollux]

Yes. Saw 1 in London: still taking it in after 3 years

[@Qlegal]

The videos of ted ed are just amazing. Adoooooooro.

[@matheusdonnerabreubecker9265]

br??

[@marianastefancikova7038]

Amazing animation about actual artist created by actual artist 👌 Love it!

[@pr.yanshi]

The animation tho.. .Awesome!

[@joannachikhi4966]

Before studying … it was perfect. Thanks! 😊

[@420blackbirds8]

ya. I love his stuff when i was working at canal jeans as a display designer in SOHO in the late 80s.

[@holy_shushcabin3716]

3:21 Loved this trippy whirlpool and how it rotated with each archetype

[@wildewildestrawberries]

I love this woman's voice! Great video.

[@menaseven9093]

Awesome video about the life ad paintings of Jean Michel Basquiat.

[@RyanMoore-pe7mo]

his creative process was so surreal

[@gilliansillustrations]

Very underrated artist, glade he is getting some recognition.

[@Boxstate_Rebel]

Just saw his unreleased show in NYC, amazing

[@rachelgreen7830]

Great art work and editing.

[@jurassica7400]

i always was so fascinated by the ny apartment in the movie Across The Universe and now I understand that it was inspired by basquiat

[@perrylane]

very colourful and informative !

[@angelodelacruz1405]

i made my project for exam with him.. so proud

[@cloudy..x..aesthetic4700]

anyone else in love with this channel

[@patw.6567]

hes gonna be an influence on my art. love the man. if only drugs didnt take him away. RIP

[@leosullivan9228]

dope was a door to this consciousness - No Shame!

[@cynthiavanteylingen7922]

cant resist a new ted ed video either. i knew of this andy warhol companion dont like his art at all but as an artist myself and history geek. i wanted to know about his back ground and reasoning hence im watching this video.

[@user-ie1kd9of4w]

AMAZING work an d artist....!

[@danmeyersonVideo]

This video is a great work of art

[@rangomez]

Inspiration from unexpected places : Thats the recipe for "originality/genius". Cool Video.

[@collagestories9917]

The video itself is superb!

[@The80damo2]

Love the video! Love Basquiat's work. Hope they do something on Keith Haring maybe :)

[@AcidRant1]

This man inspires me more than he’ll ever know

[@luizmauriciocoelholima540]

Wonderful Basquiat!

[@whereispie]

Great video ❤️ Michel my favourite

[@KR-nv3ru]

The artwork that went into making this video is a _lot_ more interesting that the original work it discusses.

[@littleblacksubmarie]

This was a fantastic introduction

[@fuggiola]

wow, my art lab teacher mentioned him today!

[@LoganAllec]

"But it's not the work of some old master." No way!

[@FallonFontaine]

My favorite artist of all time!

[@CN-wi6kb]

I just recently did a school assignment on him, he’s an inspiration and what sparked my now love for art.

[@trevor_corey8037]

King Delevingne well many artists and millionaires clearly disagree

[@tanya.4297]

What I believe is that nowadays these videos should be considered as art

[@maimohamed3590]

The motion graphics r beautiful ❤️

[@kamilvohradsky6947]

BASQUIAT IS LIFE, LOVE HIM FOREVER

[@civiljams3942]

well done on this video

[@ngochainguyenvan5942]

Now this is ARTounding

[@larissaopenheart]

thank you for this. it seems appropriate to list the artist/s who worked on this...

[@jijujiju3700]

So, this beautiful motion graphic are arts too!

[@unleashingpotential-psycho9433]

Amazing 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@xboxboi4444]

We have an exhibit of his works at the Orlando museum of art.

[@Sam-nb1rm]

That's good! Make sure to check them out!

[@Uwuuuw]

wow i like how this video produced

[@lorenamorais3608]

I love these art

[@MegaAppl3]

Beautiful. Love Basquait

[@uniqueash10]

This is so brilliant! Thank you for creating and sharing this. ❤️

[@YojTROCHILdae]

Oh i love this animation ❤

[@LouMajors]

Spirit of Basquiat lives on! More ART! @t

[@AmreiDizon]

One of my favorite artists :-) What an inspiring story.

[@Anisa-zs9cl]

this 4 minute video gave way more context to his work than the radiant child documentary

[@utkarshsharma452]

Now KZbin started giving good recommendations 😎😎😋

[@marcio_franca_geo]

"Jovem Basquiat, meu mundo é diferente Eu sou um dos poucos que não esconde o que sente " chegou em tempo para eu pegar essa referência da canção do Bacu Exu do Blues.

[@Pantano63]

Zzz

[@ravenkushner]

Very nice!

[@jeffwitkowski555]

He’s without a doubt my artist!