Born in Brooklyn and raised in Texas, he emerged as a pivotal figure in the Neo-Expressionist art movement during the late 1970s and 1980s. Transitioning to film in the 1990s, he gained acclaim for his visually arresting style and compelling storytelling. His directorial debut, "Basquiat" (1996), was followed by award-winning films such as "Before Night Falls" (2000) and "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" (2007). Known for blending art and cinema, he continues to impact both mediums profoundly.