6 Most Famous Artworks by Basquiat

6 Most Famous Artworks by Basquiat
What's Inside
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1
Crown
2
La Hara
3
Head Graffiti
4
Hollywood African
5
Boxer Rebellion
6
Per Capita

The genius of its time or just a guy who was lucky to become famous? No matter what, Basquiat was the best-selling artist in the 80s. When he was 3 he wanted to become an artist; at 20 he sold his first art and at 27 he died because of a heroin overdose. His life was short but bright, full of artwork and creativity. He turned his life into an art performance and left a huge cultural heritage. It was so immense, that even nowadays unpublished diaries, photos, and even artworks themselves are discovered.

He never studied art in school or university but visited Gallery Museum often. It was his inspiration and source of creativity. It is important to know the context in which Basquiat started to create. New York in the 70s was poor, and the streets were way more dangerous. So, at one breaking point, Jean-Michel ran from home and together with a friend created an art project - SAMO. They wanted to do something different from what already existed as graffiti. They left phrases - funny, serious, rebellious - they turned the attention to the urban and social problems. But the main thing is that they never explained their messages. In this article, we will take a look at what happened next and get to know more about the most famous paintings.

Crown

When you hear a phrase best of Basquiat, you would probably see this artwork coming next. Being the most frequent in this art, the symbol of the crown began to be his copyright sign. Everyone who knew the artist noted his ambitions and aspirations. There is even a story that has a symbolic sense. His mother took him to the museum to look at Picasso’s Guernica. Standing right there, before the artwork, he understood he would be a king. So the crown is a symbol of faith and devotion to this first artistic feeling.

It seems to be simple, though no one else thought of making something like it, but yet its sense is enormous to its creator. Torn pages and the image painted black - what else could it possibly mean? It is for the viewer to think and perceive.

Crown Canvas Wall Art
Crown
Wall art canvas print

La Hara

From the first sight of this artwork, you may think it is strange. But could you believe it was sold for $35 million? The name refers to a street slang word that people used to call policemen. The last name O’Hara was very popular among representatives of this profession. The painting itself was created at the period when Basquiat stopped drawing graffiti and started to work at the studio. What’s more interesting, a white man is depicted in the art, which is not usual for his paintings.

This picture is an iconic one, so it deserves to hang at your apartment as well. You can easily get Basquiat canvas wall arts just by visiting TexelPrintArt - choose a suitable size and start changing your interior. In addition, you will pay less than $35 million:)

La Hara Canvas Wall Art
La Hara
Wall art canvas print

Head Graffiti

When you look at his paintings, you cannot help but notice the childlike style - lots of colors, doodles, and interrupted lines. Jean-Michel said this kind of style allows him to express himself fully as he is not limited by art rules as many of the artists. This painting is untitled. The picture makes you focus on the head image which is drawn with thick black paint. It is represented in light blue color which creates a contrast.

If you want to complement your space with some modern artwork, this one will be the best option to choose. It will surely create a modern vibe and inspire you to unleash your creativity and think outside the box.

Hollywood African

Created in 1983, this painting is a response of Basquiat to the depiction of Afro-American people involved in an entertainment sphere. On the gold-yellow background, there are three figures. These are the portraits of Basquiat and his friends Toxic and Ramellzee. As you may notice, some phrases are crossed. Jean-Michel explained that this is a way to attract the viewer's attention. Among phrases, you can see such as ‘gangsterism’, ‘sugar cane’ and ‘Hollywood Africans from nineteen forty’. The artist understands the limited roles of african-american people both in Hollywood and in life due to discrimination and inequality. The artwork has a lot of references connected to this theme and it is full of symbols and signs that have a deep meaning.

Hollywood African Canvas Wall Art
Hollywood African
Wall art canvas print

Boxer Rebellion

As with most of his paintings, this one is rich in symbolism and details. Phrases, drawings and even Chinese hieroglyphs are represented on the white background. The focus is on the boxers which are surrounded by boxing-related texts. The style is typical of the artist’s manner. It is flat and cartoon-like, phrases seem to be scattered on the whole canvas. Nevertheless, it helped him to communicate with the audience by means of simple forms and complex ideas. Jean-Michel is known to have mental problems and creating art was one of the means of relief and escape from his own mind.

Boxer Rebellion Canvas Wall Art
Boxer Rebellion
Wall art canvas print

Per Capita

Among the famous Basquiat artworks, this one plays a significant role, as it is a major art since 1981. It depicts a male boxer wearing sports Everlast shorts, a vague cityscape and some texts. It is also notable, the character is afro-American and he has a nimbus above his head.

On the picture itself, the Latin phrase is included, which means ‘out of many, one'. There are many ideas and meanings of this exact art. You can join the critics in interpreting the painting and decoding symbols.

Per Capita Canvas Wall Art
Per Capita
Wall art canvas print

There were only several arts, but there are many of them left. Each stands out by its original look, fresh views, and incredible artistic vision. Such powerful art is worth hanging at your place. Pictures turn our attention to serious themes and let us think of discrimination, unfair treatment, and inequality towards people which is acute especially our days.

If you would like these paintings to become a part of your interior, feel free to visit the collection of Basquiat best works gathered at one place. TexelPrintArt is ready to grant your space with a source of inspiration and eye-catching elements for a home. Different sizes and formats are available. Besides, they could bring a modern touch to any dwelling. Go and check it!

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