Image List and Thesis Statement

These works relate to my final project because they demonstrate the themes present in Basquiat and Warhol’s work that I will be working with –Warhol’s use of celebrity culture, crude advertisement and Basquiat’s exploration of power structure dynamics and racism– all taking place behind an American backdrop. These paintings highlight Basquiat and Warhol’a unique American identity they created within their art. While both artists traverse the American landscape, what their art represents, or brings to life, is something entirely idiosyncratic.

Thesis: Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat create a uniquely American aesthetic through the themes present in their artwork. While both artists explore and work in the medium of American culture, how they represent that culture differs greatly. Warhol focuses his work on crude advertisement and celebrity culture, while Basquiat’s explores themes of power structure dynamics, institutionalized racism, street art and graffiti art. Basquiat and Warhol offer a unique American identity behind both their individual work, and their joint collaborations.