Basquiat's Rome Exhibition Explores His Pop Art with Civil Conscience

A Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibition at the Chiostro del Bramante in Rome examines the artist's role as a 'cursed bard' of 1980s New York, paralleling the Reagan-era hedonism with the Belle Époque. Basquiat's work, rooted in his East Village graffiti origins, blends street art with painting, featuring historical figures like Napoleon and Leonardo alongside symbols of wealth such as the dollar and stock listings. His 'infantile' style, reminiscent of Dubuffet's Art Brut, critiques economic inequality and racial injustice, contrasting with Warhol's Pop Art. The exhibition highlights Basquiat's African American identity, with jazz influences from Charlie Parker evident in his color intervals, and addresses racism he faced, such as taxi refusals. The show runs at the Chiostro del Bramante in Rome.