Jean-Michel Basquiat's struggles with identity and class profoundly shaped his work. Growing up in a challenging environment, he faced obstacles related to his mixed-race heritage and later battled with fame and addiction. These experiences fueled his art, often reflecting themes of social commentary and racism. His distinctive style combined text, imagery, and symbols, making powerful statements about culture and power dynamics. Basquiat’s paintings served as a canvas for expressing his internal conflicts, ultimately establishing him as a pivotal figure within the neo-expressionism movement.