Jean-Michel Basquiat, 22/12/1960 – 12/8/1988.

He was an African American artist that started his career from just doing graffiti, all around New York City in the late 1970 and evolved into a Neo-expressionist painter during the 1980. Jean-Michel Basquiat was born after his brother’s death in Brooklyn, the second of four children to Matilda Andrades, 28/7/1934 – 17/11.2008 and Gerard Basquiat. He had two younger sisters. 'Lisane', born in 1964, and 'Jeanine', born in 1967.
His father, 'Gerard Basquiat'and his mother, 'Matilde Basquiat'

Basquiat was a precocious child who learned how to read and write by the age of 4 and was a gifted artist. His teachers noticed his artistic abilities, and his mother encouraged her son's artistic talent.

When he was 11 yrs old, his mother was committed to a mental institution and thereafter spent time in and out of institution.

In September 1968, Basquiat was hit by a car while playing in the street. His arm was broken and he suffered several internal injuries.

His parents separated that year and he and his sisters were raised by their father. The family resided in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, for five years, then moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1974. After 2 years, they returned to New York City.

15, Basquiat ran away from home. He slept on park benches in parks at Washington Square, and was arrested and returned to the care of his father within a week.

Basquiat dropped out of "Edward R. Murrow High School" in the 10^th year. His father kicked him out him from the home and he stayed with friends in Brooklyn.