Basquiat: The World of Jean-Michel

Basquiat: The World of Jean-Michel by Assouline: angled three-quarter view of the cream woven canvas book; BASQUIAT in tall bold black type on the spine with ASSOULINE at the base; the front cover features Basquiat's iconic red crown motif — a hand-drawn red crown with black outline — centered on the cream textured ground

Basquiat: The World of Jean-Michel by Assouline: alternate angle showing a second Basquiat artwork on the cover — an expressive neo-expressionist portrait with a yellow-skinned skull-like face, frenetic gestural black marks, and abstracted features in Basquiat's raw signature style; BASQUIAT on the spine at right

Basquiat: The World of Jean-Michel by Assouline: close-up angled overhead view of the book resting on the open red slipcase; the cream canvas cover shows the red crown motif; BASQUIAT and ASSOULINE on the spine; the red slipcase trim frames the right and bottom edges

Basquiat: The World of Jean-Michel by Assouline: book in the open red clamshell, angled overhead view; the book cover reproduces a vivid Basquiat painting — a yellow and pink skull-like face against an abstract field of red, blue, and yellow with the word pneu inscribed in black — with BASQUIAT on the white spine; the clamshell's cream interior lid bears an italic Basquiat quote; a Made in Italy label is visible inside the box

Basquiat: The World of Jean-Michel by Assouline: close-up overhead view of the open red clamshell interior lid; the cream panel bears a Basquiat quote in black italic serif type: I like to have information rather than just have a brushstroke. Just to have these words to put in these feelings underneath. — Jean-Michel Basquiat; a small Made in Italy label is centered at the base; a corner of the colorful book cover is visible at lower right

Basquiat: The World of Jean-Michel by Assouline: full product presentation — the open cream-and-red clamshell stands vertically in the background displaying the Basquiat quote on its ivory lid; in the foreground the book rests in the red tray, its colorful cover showing a Basquiat skull painting in vivid yellow, red, and blue with the word pneu; a yellow grosgrain ribbon bookmark trails from the binding

Paint-splattered canvases lean against downtown studio walls, music drifts through late-night lofts, and subway cars rumble beneath streets where a new visual language is taking shape. Basquiat: The World of Jean-Michel offers a layered portrait of the artist and the cultural moment that shaped him. Organized thematically, the book traces key threads of Basquiat's practice; from Heads and the energy of New York City to silkscreens, collaborations with Andy Warhol, the Blue Ribbon series, and explorations of the body, Black identity, and mythological symbolism.

Rare archival photographs capture Basquiat in moments of creation, offering glimpses of works in progress alongside finished paintings, some of which have since been destroyed or lost to time. Personal handwritten notes from fellow visionaries such as Keith Haring and Robert Rauschenberg further illuminate the profound impact Basquiat had on the creative communities around him.

Created in collaboration with ColourThemes, an independent international art dealership, and having liaised with leading galleries and private collectors, many works are reproduced with exceptional fidelity to preserve their true color, texture, and intensity.

The hardcover, featuring Red Skull (1982) across its cover, transforms one of Jean-Michel Basquiat's most arresting works into a bold, tactile entry point into his world. Encased in a minimalist clamshell inspired by the texture of a painter's canvas, the book opens to reveal Basquiat's universe. A compelling volume for art collectors, cultural historians, and admirers of contemporary culture alike, it brings together the many works and voices that continue to shape Basquiat's legacy.

Product Details

Handcrafted volume in a luxury canvas clamshell case. 348 pages with 250 illustrations. Released May 2026. Text by ColourThemes, Bruno Bischofberger, and various contributors.

Care Instructions

Keep in a cool, dry place. Dust gently with a soft cloth and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or moisture.

Size & Fit

16" W × 19" L × 3.5" D

Shipping Details

Please allow 5-7 days for standard delivery.

Return Policy

This item is final sale and not available for return.

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