Jean-Michel Basquiat

In 1983, Jaffe traveled with Basquiat through Japan, Thailand and Switzerland, camera in hand throughout. The resulting photographs and first-person anecdotes were collected in Jean-Michel Basquiat: Crossroads (Rizzoli) — the most complete visual record of their friendship. All 15 images below have been reviewed and identified: 12 show Basquiat himself, 3 are pieces of his own artwork Jaffe photographed at the time.

Jean-Michel Basquiat PrintsJamaica Anderson Silva Amazon Rio de Janeiro The Hashmakers

Jean-Michel Basquiat, laughing in the sun — Switzerland, 1983 Photography · Featured Series

Jean-Michel Basquiat painting his signature crowned head, mid-work

Jean-Michel Basquiat against a barn wall, backlit

Jean-Michel Basquiat painting, close detail

Jean-Michel Basquiat, playing for the camera

Jean-Michel Basquiat painting on a stone wall

Jean-Michel Basquiat at work, from behind

Jean-Michel Basquiat reaching up to paint

Jean-Michel Basquiat and friends, double exposure — Thailand, 1983

Jean-Michel Basquiat, double exposure with Thai currency

Jean-Michel Basquiat — “TEETH” text piece

Jean-Michel Basquiat — marked dollar bill