Lecture: Chromatic Basquiat

Join art historian Richard J. Powell, a professor from Duke University, for an engaging talk about the influential painter Jean-Michel Basquiat. This lecture dives into Basquiat's vibrant 1980s works, exploring how his use of color shaped his artistic vision and challenged the art world. You'll learn about his unique path from Brooklyn graffiti and hip-hop culture to becoming a modern art icon who transformed how people understood late 20th-century American painting. This free event is perfect for teens and adults interested in contemporary art, cultural history, or creative expression. Powell will discuss the themes that made Basquiat's work so significant—including urbanism, history, and the power of visual language—and explain the innovative techniques he used, from writing and layering to strategic erasure. It's a wonderful opportunity to deepen your appreciation for one of art's most captivating figures before or after exploring the related exhibition on display at the museum.