Doug Woodham on His New Book Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Making of an Icon

Jean-Michel Basquiat is one of the most important artists of the 20th century and one of the top-selling artists in today’s market, but his career and market trajectory weren’t nearly as smooth as they might seem today. In this week's episode of the ArtTactic Podcast, host Adam Green speaks with Doug Woodham, author of Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Making of an Icon (out October 14, available now for pre-order). They discuss Basquiat’s rise, the dramatic collapse of his market in the 1990s, and the extraordinary comeback that followed, including the crucial role played by a small group of influential collectors. Doug also shares insights on how curators reframed Basquiat’s legacy, the unique way his estate has been managed, the impact of the auction houses, and the most misunderstood aspects of Basquiat’s life, art, and market.