Bath mats, candles and underpants: would Basquiat have loved or hated all the merch?

The GuardianFriday, October 10, 2025 at 12:43:09 PM
Bath mats, candles and underpants: would Basquiat have loved or hated all the merch?
A new book titled 'The Making of an Icon' explores the legacy of Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose artwork has inspired a plethora of merchandise, from clothing to home goods. With collaborations appearing almost weekly, the question arises: would Basquiat appreciate this commercialization of his art or would he find it distasteful? This discussion is significant as it reflects on the impact of artists' legacies in contemporary culture and how their work is interpreted and utilized long after their passing.
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