What made Jean-Michel Basquiat’s SAMO graffiti so influential in the art world?

Question

How did Basquiat’s early work under the SAMO moniker shape his artistic identity and pave the way for his groundbreaking contributions to Neo-Expressionism?

Answer 1

"SAMO" (often with "©" accompanying it) was Jean-Michel Basquiat's tag (a moniker used by graffiti artists used to identify and advertise themselves), and became influential on several levels. One overlooked aspect is the fact that the SAMO tag utilized the small © (copyright) symbol. Basquiat, like his friend and mentor Andy Warhol, displayed a provocative combination of the the traditional "artist-as-Bohemian" facade and the more practical mentality of using his art as a commodity, even while mocking commercialism. Another influence of the SAMO tag, ubiquitous on New York City walls in the 1980s, was its resonance with people of the "street" (as opposed to art gallery owners and clients, often perceived as living in an ivory-tower reality). Like jazz musicians, street artists were influenced by marijuana and the lingo surrounding it; SAMO was, apparently, inspired by a smoking session with Basquiat's friend and fellow artist Al Diaz. "Same Old Shit" refers to what they were smoking, as well as a common term for daily life (a.k.a. "Same old, same old".) Additionally, SAMO had a storyline: Basquiat wrote "SAMO © IS DEAD" on the walls when he "retired" his character.

Answer 2

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s SAMO graffiti was revolutionary because it bridged the worlds of street art and fine art, laying the foundation for his later career. As a student in New York City, Basquiat used the pseudonym "SAMO" (short for “Same Old”) to create thought-provoking graffiti that combined cryptic phrases, poetry, and symbolism. These works weren’t just visual—they carried a message, challenging societal norms and reflecting the cultural tensions of the time.

SAMO helped establish Basquiat’s unique voice, showcasing his ability to blend text and image, a hallmark of his later paintings. By the time his fine art career took off, his SAMO graffiti had already established him as a provocative and innovative thinker. This early work continues to influence the way we view graffiti as a legitimate form of artistic expression and a precursor to movements like Neo-Expressionism.