The artwork titled “Self-Portrait” is a significant piece by artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, created in 1984 in New York City, New York, United States. This self-portrait is executed in acrylic and oil on canvas, measuring 98.7 cm by 71.1 cm. The work is entrenched in the Neo-Expressionism movement and influenced by street art, showcasing Basquiat’s unique style that combines raw figuration with poignant abstraction.
The artwork features a stylized representation of the artist’s face and upper torso. The portrait is characterized by a bold use of color, with a deep red for the torso and a striking contrast between the dark outlines and brighter color fields for the face. Basquiat’s use of loose, energetic brushstrokes imbues the portrait with a sense of immediacy and intensity. Heavy lines delineate the eyes and teeth, showcasing the influence of graffiti art in his work. The background consists of expressive white and blue strokes, providing a somewhat chaotic ambience that complements the central figure.
Basquiat’s self-portrait offers a deeply personal glimpse into his identity, psychological state, and cultural milieu. The abstracted facial features and simplified forms juxtapose with the complexity of emotions conveyed, reflecting the duality of his experience as an individual and an artist in the energetic, yet often challenging, art world of the 1980s.