Samo© tag

Definition

The samo© tag is a notable street art signature created by the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in the late 1970s. It is a stylized combination of the words 'same old' and 'samo,' representing the artist's commentary on consumerism and the commodification of art. This tag became an iconic symbol within the New York City art scene, highlighting the intersection of street culture and fine art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The samo© tag was used by Basquiat primarily during his teenage years as a way to make his presence known in the New York art scene.
2. Basquiat’s use of the samo© tag served as both an artistic statement and a critique of the art market, which he believed reduced art to a commodity.
3. The tag gained notoriety and was often found on buildings around Lower Manhattan, drawing attention to the growing influence of graffiti as an art form.
4. Basquiat collaborated with other artists and musicians, integrating elements of hip-hop culture into his work, further influencing his use of tags like samo©.
5. The samo© tag helped establish Basquiat's identity as an artist who blended street culture with fine art, paving the way for future generations of street artists.

Review Questions

• How did Jean-Michel Basquiat's samo© tag reflect his views on consumerism and the art market?
  • The samo© tag reflects Basquiat's views on consumerism by highlighting how he saw art being commodified in society. By using the phrase 'same old,' he criticized the repetitive nature of consumer culture while asserting his unique identity within it. The tag served as both a personal signature and a social commentary, challenging viewers to think about the value placed on art in a capitalist society.
• Discuss how the samo© tag contributed to Basquiat's rise within the New York City art scene during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
  • The samo© tag played a crucial role in establishing Basquiat's presence in the New York City art scene by gaining visibility through its placement in public spaces. This act of tagging allowed him to reach a wide audience and engage with both street culture and the elite art community. It marked a shift in how artists could gain recognition outside traditional gallery settings, ultimately propelling him into fame as a key figure in contemporary art.
• Evaluate the impact of Basquiat's samo© tag on contemporary street art and its legacy in today's art world.
  • Basquiat's samo© tag has had a profound impact on contemporary street art by legitimizing graffiti as an essential part of artistic expression. His ability to blend high art with street culture inspired countless artists to explore their identities through public works. The legacy of the samo© tag continues today as many street artists reference Basquiat’s style and themes, proving that his work transcended mere tagging to become a critical commentary on societal issues that resonate even now.

Related terms

Jean-Michel Basquiat: A prominent American artist known for his graffiti-inspired work that combined text and imagery, reflecting issues such as race, identity, and power.

Graffiti: A form of visual art that is often created in public spaces, typically involving spray paint or markers, and can convey political, social, or personal messages.

Street Art: Art created in public spaces, often outside of traditional gallery settings, that includes various forms such as murals, graffiti, and installations, frequently addressing social or political themes.