The art of Jean-Michel Basquiat has become a cultural force, everything from the Brooklyn Nets using Basquiat as inspiration for basketball jerseys, to countless artists impersonating his style – or elements of his style, in their own art. For example, Basquiat was known for putting a crown in his art works, and I swear I see it used all the time by other artists, as if it gives some sort of “street cred” to their art? I don’t get it. I’ve got two examples here of art seen at different times at the Antique Emporium in Asbury Park (which I love exploring whenever I’m there at the beach). I’m not sure if the artists who made these artworks are just paying homage to Basquiat, or if they’re hoping to trick someone into thinking they might be a Basquiat? It fits the old fantasy cliche of finding a masterpiece in a thrift store or a garage sale where the seller doesn’t know what they have. Granted, I occasionally look through thrift stores hoping to find a hidden gem, but for anyone who knows their Basquiats, these won’t fool too many people.
