Jean-Michel Basquiat was a renowned American artist who achieved fame in the late 1970s and 1980s. He was born on December 22, 1960, in Brooklyn, New York, and passed away tragically on August 12, 1988, at the young age of 27.

His paintings and drawings are characterized by a combination of street art and neo-expressionism. Basquiat often used symbolic imagery, vibrant colors, and text in his work, exploring themes of race, identity, politics, and social issues.

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s artwork has experienced significant appreciation in value over the past 40 years, with his auction records repeatedly being broken. The continued interest and growing appreciation for Basquiat’s art indicate that it remains a significant and valuable investment opportunity.

As a self-taught artist from a multicultural background, Basquiat’s achievements in the predominantly white art world of the 1980s have made him an important figure in contemporary art history. His work is recognized and collected by all major institutions like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Whitney Museum of American Art.

The scarcity of Basquiat’s original artworks, resulting from his untimely death, has increased their value and desirability among collectors and investors. As the scarcity persists, his works become even more sought after.

Basquiat’s auction sales have consistently increased over the past 40 years, with some of his works achieving record-breaking prices. While no sale has surpassed the $110.5 million record set in 2017 for ‘Untitled’, other sales have come close, showcasing a robust and active market for Basquiat’s art.

Investing in art, including Basquiat’s artwork, can be a part of a diversified investment portfolio. As with any investment, diversification helps manage risk and may provide opportunities for potential growth and long-term value appreciation.

Unfortunately not. You will find that most Basquiat artworks (including prints) are out of reach of investors with small budgets unless you sign up for Masterworks or Yieldstreet who both offer fractional shares in million dollar Basquiat artworks starting from about US$20 per share.

For investment purposes, prints released during Basquiat’s lifetime with smaller editions are generally better investments. For example, the print “Untitled” from 1982, with only 10 editions can command prices of up to $2.9 million. Prints like “Back Of The Neck,” a hand-colored screenprint from 1983 with an edition of 24, have also seen significant price appreciation.

Authenticating a Basquiat artwork is crucial due to the presence of forgeries. Basquiat did not provide certificates of authenticity during his lifetime, but each work (prints) released by the Basquiat estate is signed by a family member, such as Gerard Basquiat or one of his sisters. Additionally, comprehensive paperwork and documentation should be provided by the seller, and purchasing through reputable brokers, auction houses, and online platforms like Masterworks or Yieldstreet is recommended.

You can acquire Basquiat artworks from reputable sources like well-established art brokers, auction houses, and online platforms like Masterworks, Yieldstreet, and Public. Buying through trustworthy channels reduces the risk of purchasing counterfeits.

Like any investment, there are risks involved in the art market. To make a successful investment in Basquiat, carefully consider the rarity, provenance, condition, and market demand. Stay updated on relevant exhibitions and events related to Basquiat’s work, as these can impact the print market.