Born and raised in NYC

Moved to Browsville, Texas

Studied at Whitney Museum in NYC

Received first solo art show at the Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston

Had first one-person show at Mary Boone's Soho art gallery

Participated at the Venice Biennale

First met fellow artist Jean-Michel Basquiat

Schnabel published autobiography, CVJ: Nicknames of Maitre D's & Other Excerpts From Life

Jean-Michel Basquiat died

Made feature directorial debut with "Basquiat"; also scripted

Directed second film, "Before Night Falls", a biography of Cuban poet and novelist Reinaldo Arenas

Helmed "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," an adaptation of the French memoir by Jean-Dominique Bauby; earned a DGA nomination for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film; also received an Oscar nomination for Best Director