Happy Birthday Basquiat!!!!!! (PHOTOS)

Jean Michel Basquiat, radiant child that he was, always thought he might be famous. (Although he also reported "I thought I was going to be a bum the rest of my life.") Lucky for us it was the former, and the young neo-Expressionist dazzled the world with his raw, neo-Expressionist chops and childish creativity. His works were part complexly coded masterpieces, part innocent doodles. They contained clues to Basquiat's heritage and language and yet they were pure instinct, pure creation, symbolizing nothing. Simple and complex, ugly and beautiful, they continue to make us gaga even today. Happy birthday Basquiat, you are a rare gem!

Get a taste of Basquiat's work below and leave a message to the birthday boy in the comments.

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Comments

[Monroe Harmon]

03:56 PM on 12/23/2011

every time i walk thru washington square park i think of him - he called the park home for a short time - my boy jean

[Nazaire Hz]

11:56 AM on 12/23/2011

This man has inspired me on so many levels, I cannot say he is the reason I paint. But he has been many times the reason I continue to push to create my work.
-nazaire

[agentxart]

10:53 PM on 12/22/2011

http://agentx.see.me/

[drmdj]

10:11 PM on 12/22/2011

My Favorite Artist.

[chrisman54]

07:44 PM on 12/22/2011

One of my favorite artists. Every time I look at one of his paintings, I feel like I'm seeing it for the first time. To me his art is bold, powerful, and yet enigmatic. Happy Birthday Jean Michel! You're truly missed!

[Reglab]

01:31 PM on 12/22/2011

Feliz Cumple Ano, Jean-Michel, Basquiat. You were truly a most talented and unique American artist.

[tommymommy]

01:13 PM on 12/22/2011

I saw his work at the MOMA 2 years ago. Very hip! Tragic he's no longer with us,

[deforrestjelly]

11:08 AM on 12/22/2011

Wow, no comments. He sure was vital!