Colour lithograph on high-grammage Velin paper (37 x 34 cm in passe-partout window), stamped with the artist’s signature and copyright on the left, and on the left with the dry stamp of the publisher Rupert James Smith; On the back, a hologram “Verification of authenticity”. Limited edition of 300 copies, hand-numbered in pencil (139/300), with original certificate attached.
€ 490,00
Color lithograph on heavyweight Velin paper; 37 x 34 cm (visible within the passe-partout);
On the left, a stamp with the artist’s signature and author’s mark; bottom right, a dry stamp of the publisher, Rupert James Smith;
On the reverse, a hologram “Verification of Authenticity”; limited edition, hand-numbered in pencil 139/300. Includes an original certificate.
Jean-Michel Basquiat was an American artist who rose to prominence in the 1980s as part of the Neo-Expressionist movement. His work is characterized by a raw, gestural painting style that blends elements of graffiti, street art, and primitivism. Basquiat often incorporated symbols and signs into his artworks, inviting viewers to interpret their meaning. He died of a heroin overdose en route to the hospital at the age of 27.
His work garnered the attention of Andy Warhol, which led to a friendship and artistic collaboration between the two. Basquiat admired Warhol and considered him a mentor, while Warhol found new inspiration in Basquiat, reigniting his passion for painting. Their collaboration was a sign of mutual respect and admiration, and the duo was often seen together at various events in New York.
Together, they created over 150 works, initially met with criticism but later gaining recognition and fetching high prices at auctions. Warhol would typically start by drawing a pop-art symbol or newspaper headline on the canvas using his projector, and Basquiat would then add his signature Neo-Expressionist symbols, images, or words.
Unfortunately, their relationship became strained as Basquiat’s drug use escalated, ultimately leading to the end of their collaboration. Nonetheless, they remained friends, though the intensity of their bond diminished. Warhol’s death in 1987 profoundly affected Basquiat, who died a year later.
Despite his untimely death, Basquiat’s artistic legacy remains vibrant and influential. His works continue to be exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide, and his style and symbolism continue to inspire new generations of artists.
