Important African-American artist (1960–1988) who first achieved notoriety as part of the informal graffiti group SAMO before becoming internationally renowned for his socially conscious Neo-expressionist and Primitivist paintings. His growing heroin addiction amplified after the 1987 death of his mentor, Andy Warhol, and he tragically succumbed to an overdose the following year at just 28 years old. Extremely rare invitation card for Basquiat’s exhibition entitled ‘Paintings from 1982’ at the Annina Nosei Gallery in New York, held from December 14 to January 8, 1986, 5.5 x 8.5, signed and inscribed inside in pencil, “See othr side, $eeother$side, Fo For Louise, Basquiat.” The front of the card features a black-and-white image of one of his immediately recognizable works of art, identified inside as “Untitled, 1982, collage, paint & oil stick on wood, 48 1/2 x 30 1/4″.” In fine condition, with mild overall brushing to pencil. In late 1981, Basquiat joined the Annina Nosei gallery in SoHo, where his first solo show was held the following year. The years 1981–1983 are considered Basquiat’s best period and his rarest and most coveted work dates to this time, the era represented by this 1986 exhibition. An extraordinarily desirable piece from arguably the most collectible artist of the past 30 years, whose material is increasingly sought after worldwide. RR Auction COA.
