For first-time collectors of Basquiat’s work, understanding these symbols can offer deeper insight into his art and legacy. His work is highly sought after, with record-breaking auction prices and continuous influence in contemporary art. This guide explores the meaning behind Basquiat’s iconic symbols, the prominent works that feature them, and why collecting his art remains a prestigious investment.
1. The Crown: A Symbol of Power and Royalty
One of Basquiat’s most recognizable symbols is the crown. It Frequently appears in his paintings, often placed above the heads of black figures, historical icons, and even self-Portraits.
What Does the Crown Mean?
The crown in Basquiat’s work is a tribute to greatness and power. He used it to anoint Individuals he admired, whether they were atheletes, Jazz Musicians, or cultural Figures. In many Cases, The Crown serves as an assertion of Black Excellence - A Way of Elevating Black Figures who have Historically been Marginalized.
However, the crown is not always a symbol of victory. Sometimes, it represents the burden of fame, or a critique of how society treats its so-called “kings.” The three-pointed crown, often depicted in gold or yellow, can signify the triad of artist, musician, and athlete—fields where Black individuals have historically excelled but also faced exploitation.
Prominent Works Featuring the Crown
Charles the First, 1982 - A tribute to jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker, With A Crown Above his name.
King Zulu, 1986 - A portrait of a crowned figure, referring to the ceremonial leader Of The Zulu Parade At Mardi Gras, An Event Historically linked to Race Relations In American.
Untitled, 1981 - A self-portrait where Basquiat wears the crown, claiming his place As An Artistic King.
For collectors, Basquiat’s crowned figures are among his most valued works, symbolizing his role as an artist who redefined royalty.
2. The Skull: A Symbol of Mortality and Identity
The skull is often seen as a symbol of death and mortality. By repeatedly using it in his work, Basquiat might be confronting the inevitability of death and questioning the fragility of life. It can also represent a deep engagement with the human condition—acknowledging both the violence and beauty of existence.
For Basquiat, the skull could also symbolize a sense of internal conflict or identity struggles. Growing up in a marginalized community of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent and dealing with racism and exclusion, he may have used the skull to represent a fractured sense of self or a confrontation with the darker parts of his own psyche.
Basquiat was fascinated by human anatomy, influenced by medical textbooks and his early experiences in hospital settings after being hit by a car as a child. The skull represents the raw essence of humanity, stripped of race, status, or individual characteristics.
Prominent Works Featuring the Skull
Untitled, 1982 - Is one of Basquiat’s most famous paintings and also the most expensive painting ever sold, auctioning for $110.5 million, it features a large, nearly abstract skull. The skull is painted in vivid colors with a highly energetic, almost frenetic application of paint. The face is both confrontational and disorienting, with exaggerated eyes, sharp lines, and a sense of wild power. The use of color and fragmented features speaks to the complexity of human identity and the fragility of life.
Hollywood Africans, 1983 - While not entirely focused on the skull, this painting features Basquiat’s signature use of skeletal and skull-like imagery. The work explores themes of race and identity, with fragmented human forms that suggest a critique of the entertainment industry and the marginalization of African Americans.
3. Text: Stream-of-consciousness and Texture
The text in Jean-Michel Basquiat's work is an essential element that deepens the meaning and narrative of his paintings. His use of text was not only a visual component but also a way to communicate complex ideas, emotions, and social commentary.
His approach to text can feel spontaneous and fragmented, mirroring the intensity and urgency with which he created his art. The scattered nature of the words might symbolize the fractured experience of navigating a world filled with social, cultural, and personal pressures. The disjointed text reflects how Basquiat processed his thoughts on identity and society. Using words like SAMO as a form of self assertion and references to Charlie Parker and boxing that reflect his deep engagement with American and global culture.
The Riddle, 1985 - In this later work, Basquiat uses text in a more abstract way, almost like a stream of consciousness. Phrases, numbers, and fragmented thoughts are scattered throughout the canvas. The text feels cryptic, but it contributes to the sense of confusion and questioning that runs throughout much of his work. The Riddle explores existential themes, with the text playing a key role in conveying the artist's inner turmoil and search for meaning.
Untitled Boxer, 1982 - This painting features a large, fragmented face with various text elements scattered throughout. Words such as “SAMO” and phrases like “Boxer” appear alongside the chaotic image of a boxer. The text emphasizes the duality between the physicality of the boxer (as a symbol of power and resilience) and the internal struggle represented by the fragmented text, speaking to Basquiat’s constant balancing of aggression and vulnerability.
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