video: basquiat documentary

08/07/12 — basquiat, documentary, graffiti, painting, warhol

just finished watching jean-michel basquiat: the radiant child.  i knew a bit about basquiat’s story and his work coming into it.  the film filled my gaps.  it chronicles his rise from a homeless graffiti artist in 1970s new york to one of top painters in the world, covering his struggles with racism (in general but also specific to the art world) and fame, his relationship with andy warhol, and his entry into the infamous “27 club.”

some people say that basquiat was the greatest artist of his generation.  others say his art was just weird and he’s only kim kardashian famous for being famous.  watch the full documentary above (via openculture) and decide for yourself.

update: video was taken down but you can still purchase it here.