oilstick on paper

A raw and visceral work by Jean-Michel Basquiat, this piece showcases his signature visual language of frenzied mark-making, cryptic text, and bold, expressive linework rendered in oilstick on paper. Basquiat's immediate and gestural approach transforms the surface into a charged field of symbols, fragmented words, and anatomical or cultural references drawn from his immersion in New York's street art scene and broader art historical traditions. The intimacy of the paper ground amplifies the urgency and energy that defined his prolific and groundbreaking career.