Jean-Michel Basquiat, the Haitian-American artist who became famous as an painter and then moved on to become one of the forerunners of the neo-expressionist art movement. It was in 1980, when he truly gained recognition laying his works alongside the likes of Andy Warhol and other huge household names. Basquiat could offer a vivacious style which echoed through his personality and art.

In the picture above you can see the intimacy which surfaced between Basquiat and Madonna for a strong period at the breadth of his success. Unfortunately Basquiat was easily influenced, and soon after he developed an excessive heroin habit, living among the junkies and street artists in the New York underground. He had reached international fame, and his mind became fragile, although still producing sell out solo exhibitions. It was a sad tale, with such a short finish but a genuine talent who will be remembered, and whose art will live on.