Assouline’s $1,400 Basquiat Book Is a Collector’s Holy Grail

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Summary

  • Luxury book publisher Assouline just dropped Basquiat: The World of Jean-Michel, a special collector’s edition of work and words on the iconic late artist
  • Spanning 348 pages, the book features 250 artworks and archival photographs, alongside contributions by George Condo, Valentino Garavani, Jeffrey Deitch, Keith Haring and more

Assouline has released a limited-edition book celebrating the powerful impact of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Titled Basquiat: The World of Jean-Michel, the 348-page book features 250 of his artworks and photos, and examines how his work continues to influence ideas about power, culture, and identity today.

Staying true to Assouline’s style, this large, hand-bound book costs $1,400 and is meant to be displayed as a work of art rather than just read. Even the book’s protective case reflects Basquiat’s habit of using unusual materials in his work.

This release is the result of ten years of work by Colour Themes, an art advisory and dealership led by Philip Rebeiz and CJ Jones. The project is divided into six sections and explores the full range of the artist’s work, from large-scale pieces to more intimate creations. It covers everything from his famous head sculptures and connection to New York City, to his innovative use of silkscreen printing and textured, layered surfaces.

What really hits me about Basquiat isn’t just the art, it’s what it says. He tackled huge topics like race, gender, what people believe, and class differences, and you can see it all in his work. It’s awesome to see how other artists – people like George Condo, Lenny Kravitz, and even Keith Haring – were influenced by him, and how thinkers like bell hooks connected with his ideas. Even people in the fashion world, like Valentino, got it. It’s a shame Bruno Bischofberger, his dealer, recently passed away, because he really understood Basquiat’s vision.


A new book celebrating the art of Jean-Michel Basquiat, titled Basquiat: The World of Jean-Michel, has been released by Assouline as part of their Ultimate collection and is available on their website.

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2026-05-11 20:26