Basquiat Dealer Bruno Bischofberger Reflects on the Artist's Legacy in New Assouline Book

Bruno Bischofberger, Basquiat's exclusive worldwide dealer from 1982 until the artist's death in 1988, contributes an essay to the forthcoming book "Basquiat: The World of Jean-Michel," published by Assouline on May 11. Bischofberger recounts how Basquiat's frequent visits to Switzerland shaped their relationship, with the artist absorbing Swiss history, culture, and Bischofberger's collections of photography, design, folk art, and prehistoric objects. He contrasts Basquiat's direct, confrontational style with Andy Warhol's detached, apolitical approach, noting that Basquiat's engagement with politics and racism set him apart. Bischofberger describes Basquiat as exceptionally intelligent, influenced by children's drawings, and prescient in anticipating cultural developments. The essay argues that Basquiat's work, which merges images, symbols, and words to retell history, has become iconic for movements like Black Lives Matter. Bischofberger concludes that Basquiat reformed perceptions of art and became a king of both Black and white culture, with his spirit more omnipresent than ever.