Netflix releases trailer and art for Jean-Michel Basquiat

Netflix has released images as well as the trailer for a new documentary about Jean-Michel Basquiat. The film includes recollections by his family members, archival images, interviews, and never-before-seen works by the iconic painter and graffiti artist.

The film won the category Best Editing in a Documentary Feature at the 2026 Tribeca Festival in the artist's hometown, New York City. Directed by Quinn Whitney Wilson and Viridiana Lieberman, Jean-Michel Basquiat aims to humanise the artist by uncovering the person behind the well-known name.

(L to R) Gerard and Jean-Michel Basquiat in Jean-Michel Basquiat. Credit: The Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat

Basquiat was known for creating street art that called out wealth inequality and racial divides. Born and raised in NYC, he had Haitian and Puerto Rican heritage.

His painting Untitled became one of the most expensive artworks ever purchased when it was auctioned for $110.5 million in 2017 (€137,812,298.36, adjusted for inflation).

The artist died aged 27 from an overdose.

Jean-Michel Basquiat. Credit: The Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat

The documentary will debut on Netflix on December 11.

Hip-hop artist Kid Cudi is also creating a movie about Basquiat, written, directed by, and starring himself. Jean will begin filming in 2027.

See the Netflix trailer below.