Jean-Michel Basquiat was an American artist of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent who rose to prominence in the New York art scene of the 1980s. He is known for his unique style of painting, which combined street art and graffiti with a range of art historical influences. Tragically, Basquiat's career was cut short by his untimely death at the age of 27, but his influence on contemporary art continues to be felt to this day. His works are highly sought after by collectors and his legacy has inspired generations of artists.