Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988) (after) - "Skull, 1981"

- Jean-Michel Basquiat (after), giclée print on watercolour paper (approx. 300gsm, refers to paper thickness/density). 2000s

- Copyright Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat, licensed by Artestar New York. McGaw Graphics, Inc.

- Stamp on verso.

- Size: 52,5 x 60 cm.

- Condition: excellent. Never framed, never exposed.

- Jean-Michel Basquiat’s “Untitled (Skull)”, 1981 is one of the most powerful early images of the artist’s explosive Neo-Expressionist language, transforming the human head into a fractured map of anatomy, memory, violence and urban energy. The monumental face is constructed from overlapping planes of electric blue, yellow, black, pink, white, ochre and brown, crossed by frantic lines, symbols and skeletal fragments that seem simultaneously to reveal and conceal the structure beneath the skin. Basquiat merges the immediacy of graffiti with references to anatomy, African and Caribbean visual culture, street language and art history, creating a figure that feels both ancient and aggressively contemporary. The work connects naturally with Neo-Expressionism, New York’s downtown scene, Jean Dubuffet, Cy Twombly, Picasso, Willem de Kooning, Francis Bacon and the raw psychological intensity of late 20th-century painting.

This work has exceptional decorative appeal for admirers of Jean-Michel Basquiat, street art, Neo-Expressionism, graffiti culture, skull imagery, contemporary portraiture and museum-inspired interiors. Its striking combination of bright blue, yellow, black, dusty pink, white and earthy tones makes it especially suitable for a sophisticated living room, loft, office, creative studio, luxury apartment, contemporary gallery-style space or bold eclectic interior. It can sit beautifully beside concrete, dark wood, chrome, black lacquer, leather, Murano glass, Eames furniture, Gio Ponti references, sculpture, designer lighting, vintage objects and collectible design, creating an intense dialogue between art, architecture, youth culture and interior design. With its instantly recognisable visual language and extraordinary graphic force, “Untitled (Skull)” is also a distinctive gift for lovers of Basquiat, New York culture, expressive portraiture and contemporary art.

For those interested in Basquiat, Warhol, Haring, Picasso, Dubuffet, Twombly, Bacon, de Kooning, Lichtenstein, Hockney, Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Kaws, Damien Hirst and Karl Lagasse, this image offers a compelling combination of rebellion, historical importance, colour and decorative strength. Its iconic downtown identity fits perfectly with today’s trend for curated interiors, where fine art prints can live naturally beside vintage design, luxury objects, Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Chanel, Dior, Gucci, champagne, rare collectibles, Lego, Star Wars, Pokémon and other icons of style, rarity and collecting. A raw, energetic and unmistakably Basquiat composition, ideal for adding colour, attitude, sophistication and contemporary impact to any interior.