What was special about the band Basquiat was in?
What was special is that Basquiat had no musical background or talent. He was playing the clarinet, yet had no idea how to. His friend was also on the drums, but simply just making noise. This is important because it is Basquiat's first public work. He was not known for any type of artistry yet.
What makes people so confident in Basquiat's work? Why did people give him a chance when he had nothing?
One of the curators in the movie, Diego Cortez, said that when he ran into Basquiat he was "down and out." Cortez told him to pick up a pen and paper and draw because he had a talent for it. This little push was what Basquiat needed. I think that Cortez had faith in him because he saw how original Basquiat was. He had this unique individuality that no one at that time possessed. People were interested in him and curious to see what he would do next. This originality and spunk that Basquiat had was what intrigued curators and other artists to learn about him.
Basquiat dealt with a lot of racism during his career. What does the film say the art world did to him?
The film says that the art world made him a representation of all black people. His artwork became what white people just assumed that all blacks were like. The mentality was that he became what those people thought of him. The racism really affected Basquiat and he felt that most of the criticism he received was for his race and actions rather than the artwork itself. It was said in the film that this had a huge affect on him and really bothered him.
Why do you think people were drawn to Basquiat? What qualities do you admire in him?
First off, I think that you created really good questions and provided awesome answers. I found the band he was in to be really strange but also kind of similar to the weird bands today that sound like a bunch of noise. He was kind of a pioneer in that way. I also agree with what you said about how people were just waiting to see what he did next. I think that was one of his biggest selling points. All in all, great post!
ReplyDeleteI believe that people were drawn to Basquiat because he was so revolutionary. Nobody was doing what he was and that made him unique. People at that time wanted to be surrounded by interesting, unique artists. That community of 500 people in New York City were all very different and therefore he fit in with them. I admire this quality about him. I also admire how extremely hard working he was. It was said in the film that he would go out at night and when he got home from a party he would immediately start working. That work ethic got him very far in life.
I believe Basquiat to be a pioneer as well. I really admired him by the end of the film. He made me want to be more original and follow the things I'm passionate about.
ReplyDeleteI think people were drawn to him for those reasons to. He was definitely one of a kind. I like that he challenged people's beliefs and made them think outside of the box. He never let the criticism affect him or change who he was. I agree with you about the work ethic as well. I know I don't work as soon as I get home for the night. His work ethic is inspiring and what made him so successful for sure.