Born in 1960, Jean Michael Basquiat lived most of his life in New York City. Jean was the product of a multi-racial couple. His mother was half Puerto Rican and half African, and his father was Haitian. Jean rebelled against his middle class status that he was born into. He took to the streets where he felt more comfortable. He was not ashamed of, nor did he try to hide his middle class background from the media, but his personal embrace of the lower class legitimized his statements artistically. Once exposed to the neglected poverty and mistreatment of America's minorities, Jean's paintings reflected his discontent. Although, Jean was not considered a political activist many political themes could be found in his work. After a career that lasted only seven years Jean-Michael Basquait died at the young age of twenty seven.
Jean repeated themes in his paintings, portraying his ideas innovatively and intellectually. His paintings at first glance seem to have a primitive style, but the symbolism he uses and his chaotic, technique enhances the impact of the message he tries to send. His use of words, phrases, arrows, symbols and scribbles are the reason for much of this, but maybe he felt as if his message would not be heard unless he made use of them. His messages are bold and defiant; at times, his paintings almost express a sort of anger and contempt towards the human condition. It seems that his works suggest a deep-rooted hostility toward the exploitation and corruption of the innocent for capital gain through the use of religion, the stealing of land from natives, and excessive industrialization and commercialism at the expense of those who have no power to change any undesired effect. The placement of words and symbols seem at first to be unimportant, and only after looking deeper can one reach any conclusions. .
Jean Michel Basquiat exhibits contempt for the use of religion and God to manipulate and abuse others.