Basquiat, Jean-Michel, BAHS kwee aht, zhahn mee SHEHL (1960-1988), was a black American artist whose paintings became known for their vivid, complex images. Basquiat's mother was Puerto Rican and his father was Haitian. The subject matter of his paintings reflects his African and Caribbean heritage. He particularly drew his inspiration from black history, cartoons and comic strips, and graffiti (words or drawings scratched or painted on public walls).