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Basquiat Stable — King Face Mask
This striking composition centers on a bold, mask-like face rendered in black and white with red accents around the eyes and mouth, evoking themes of identity and racial history. The figure is set against a vibrant blue background with a bright yellow base, making the central image pop with energy. Textual elements play a significant role here, including the repeated word "SCHWARZ" (German for "black") accompanied by its translations "(NEGRO)" and "BLACK," reinforcing the exploration of Black identity. Below the figure, the commanding phrase "KING ZULU" appears in red letters outlined in black, asserting cultural pride and heritage. A signature crown motif appears twice, once in the brown text panel and again beside the artist’s signature "BASQUIAT," linking to Jean-Michel Basquiat’s iconic symbol of power and respect. Characteristic neo-expressionist elements include primitive figurative forms, raw line work, and a bright color palette dominated by blue, yellow, black, red, and white. The composition meditates on race, power, and African diasporic identity, blending linguistic and symbolic references with expressive visuals. This is contemporary decorative artwork inspired by 1980s neo-expressionist aesthetics and Basquiat’s engagement with Black culture, symbolism, and coded text. Ideal for collectors of urban art and those interested in cultural and racial discourse through art. Contemporary art inspired by 1980s neo-expressionist aesthetics. Excellent condition throughout. Ready to frame or hang.
This striking composition centers on a bold, mask-like face rendered in black and white with red accents around the eyes and mouth, evoking themes of identity and racial history. The figure is set against a vibrant blue background with a bright yellow base, making the central image pop with energy. Textual elements play a significant role here, including the repeated word "SCHWARZ" (German for "black") accompanied by its translations "(NEGRO)" and "BLACK," reinforcing the exploration of Black identity. Below the figure, the commanding phrase "KING ZULU" appears in red letters outlined in black, asserting cultural pride and heritage. A signature crown motif appears twice, once in the brown text panel and again beside the artist’s signature "BASQUIAT," linking to Jean-Michel Basquiat’s iconic symbol of power and respect. Characteristic neo-expressionist elements include primitive figurative forms, raw line work, and a bright color palette dominated by blue, yellow, black, red, and white. The composition meditates on race, power, and African diasporic identity, blending linguistic and symbolic references with expressive visuals. This is contemporary decorative artwork inspired by 1980s neo-expressionist aesthetics and Basquiat’s engagement with Black culture, symbolism, and coded text. Ideal for collectors of urban art and those interested in cultural and racial discourse through art. Contemporary art inspired by 1980s neo-expressionist aesthetics. Excellent condition throughout. Ready to frame or hang.