Book cover of Basquiat: A Quick Killing in Art

Book description

The tragic story of the talented painter Jean-Michel Basquiat details his turbulent childhood, explosive dealings with the elite art world, relationships with such figures as Andy Warhol and Madonna, and rise to fame, which led to his death from a drug overdose at the age of twenty-seven. 12,000 first printing.

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Why read it?

1 author picked Basquiat as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I am conflicted recommending this book. I detest this bestselling biography’s gossipy tone concerning Jean-Michel Basquiat’s personal and professional drama.

Yet many of these disturbances are unpleasantly true, and Hoban extensively, tediously researched her book. When I forget key names, or need to reference milestones, I look in the glossary and chapters. Chronologically it is helpful, but loosely delivered.

A revised edition would make a lot of sense, with so much discovery since its publication. The expansiveness, thoroughness, and ambition keep this book useful to me. Readers should take this exhaustive bio with a grain of salt, because of its…

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Book cover of Louise-Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun: Portrait of an Artist, 1755-1842

Louise-Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun: Portrait of an Artist, 1755-1842 by Judith Lissauer Cromwell,

This biography follows the remarkable life of Louise-Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, whose portraits of European high society hang in many of the world’s most important galleries.

As a young woman in the male dominated society of late 18th century France, she was denied an artistic education and forced to nurture…

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