On Saturday, August 12, 1988, Jean-Michel Basquiat died at the age of 27. A self-taught artist who emerged from New York City's downtown underground in the late 1970s, Basquiat rose to international fame for his prolific neo-expressionist street art and his mastery of modern paintings. He achieved success quickly, exhibiting his work in galleries and museums. Basquiat experimented with a variety of media, including spray paint, oils, and enamel. His work addressed issues of racism, capitalism, and materialism. His instantly recognizable paintings can be seen in numerous collections around the world, including the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Fondation Beyeler in Switzerland. Basquiat is survived by his family and friends. He will be fondly remembered for the raw, unpredictable beauty of his art and the powerful impact his words have had on the art world.