Correct spelling for the English word "SAMO" is [sˈɑːmə͡ʊ], [sˈɑːməʊ], [s_ˈɑː_m_əʊ] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
SAMO, short for "Same Old Shit," is a term and artistic movement that originated in New York City during the late 1970s. SAMO was created by the artists Jean-Michel Basquiat and Al Diaz as a graffiti tag, but it quickly evolved into a provocative and subversive philosophy encompassing various forms of art and social commentary.
Dictionary Definition:
SAMO is a term coined by the artists Jean-Michel Basquiat and Al Diaz in New York City during the late 1970s. Initially used as a graffiti tag, SAMO evolved into a significant artistic movement and philosophical concept. The term "SAMO" is an acronym for "Same Old Shit," reflecting a critical perspective on the repetitiveness and stagnation of contemporary society and culture.
As an artistic movement, SAMO encompassed a range of mediums, including graffiti, paintings, poetry, and performance art. It sought to challenge conventional norms and raise awareness about social issues. SAMO artists often employed a combination of ironic, satirical, and oblique imagery and language to convey their messages.
The SAMO philosophy rejected conformity and celebrated individualism, encouraging artistic expression, freedom of thought, and unconventional approaches to creativity. It aimed to disrupt established hierarchies and encourage critical thinking and societal introspection.
Although SAMO as an organized movement swiftly dissipated, its influence on counterculture and street art remains significant. Jean-Michel Basquiat, one of the key proponents of SAMO, went on to become a highly regarded and influential artist in the mainstream art world, leaving a lasting impact on contemporary art and culture.