The Fondation Beyeler plans a large retrospective to mark the fiftieth birthday of the American painter and draftsman Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988). Originating from the New York underground, the artist had become world famous for his expressive paintings by the early age of twenty. His friendships with Madonna, Andy Warhol, and Keith Haring have become legendary. Until his tragic, premature death, Basquiat created an impassioned oeuvre of paintings, drawings and objects. His powerful compositions, inspired by music, comics and sports, combined elements from popular culture and cultural history.