17 Most Intriguing Basquiat Paintings To Know in 2024
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s paintings are a prized collection in the art world. Once a humbled young artist known for his Brooklyn street art, Basquiat’s rise to fame was sudden given his exceptional talent in the Neo-expressionism art movement. After his unfortunate death in 1988, Basquiat’s work skyrocketed in value, with many of the original Basquiat paintings for sale costing over $30 million.
If you’re familiar with Basquiet’s work, you might have heard several rumors about him, such as: was Basquiat married to Madonna? According to W Magazine, the pair briefly dated, but were never married. However, even though their romance fizzled, Madonna was deeply in awe of Basquiet’s artistic talent. Many celebrities and billionaires were also huge fans of Basquiat’s work, and there are several famous icons who own Basquiat’s paintings. Although Basquiat’s life was short, the creativity and intentionality in his paintings forever impacted the art world.
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Who is Jean-Michel Basquiat?
Jean-Michael Basquiat began his groundbreaking career by painting NYC street art in the early 1980s. The community quickly took notice of his talent, and he transitioned from working on the streets to inside an art studio. Within two years, Basquiat paintings were a hot commodity around the world.
Why is Basquiat so famous?
Basquiat’s work resonates with a variety of audiences. He drew inspiration from cultural and tribal art, hip hop and Pablo Picasso’s vast portfolio. A crown motif became his signature flair in most of his work. Famous artist, Andy Warhol, was also considered to be a close friend and mentor to Basquiat. It’s easy to see the influence they had on one another by also studying Warhol paintings. The two often collaborated and impacted one another’s work.
Aside from high-profile auctions, there aren’t many original Basquiat paintings for sale. However, most of his art can be viewed in renowned museums, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. If you’re searching for the cheapest Basquiat paintings, you can find prints online and similar artwork from local artists drawing inspiration from his classic style.
What is Basquiat's most famous piece?
The Untitled (1982) Basquiat's skull painting is known to be one of the most famous Basquiat paintings. It’s also considered one of the most expensive paintings not only in Basquiat’s portfolio but in the world. In 2017, this piece sold for $110.5 million at Sotheby’s by Japanese billionaire, Yusaku Maezawa. Many of his other artwork sells for over $30M at auctions around the world.
So, how many original Basquiat paintings are there? My Art Broker mentions that there are around 800 Basquiat paintings and 1,500 original drawings in the world. After Basquiet tragically passed away at the age of 27 from a drug overdose, the value of his art has skyrocketed among collectors and museums alike.
There are many celebrities and billionaires who own Basquiat’s paintings, such as Jay-Z, Lenny Kravitz and Leonardo DiCaprio. Basquiat’s fans admire the grit, honesty and cultural storytelling the artist shared through his artwork.
Best Basquiat Paintings
1. Untitled (1982)
The Untitled (1982) Basquiat's skull painting can easily be considered one of the most famous paintings of the Neo-expressionism movement. When someone mentions Basquiat paintings, this artwork often comes to mind, with the subject’s dynamic skull, sneering mouth and haunting eyes. The skull was a common motif in Basuiat’s work and symbolized the fragility of life. Many of the paintings in Basquiat’s Untitled collection are also believed to be self-portraits.
2. In This Case (1983)
While most Basquiat paintings feature skulls, this painting includes a solid head with a single menacing eye facing the viewer. The vibrant red background is the perfect contrast for the subject and its stained green teeth. This piece was last sold at an auction in 2021 for $93.1 million.
3. El Gran Espectáculo (The Nile) (1983)
Fashion designer Valentino Garavani purchased this artwork as it's one of the best Basquiat paintings, paying close to $45 million for this piece. The work features Basquat’s signature floating skulls and scrawled phrases that allude to Ancient Egypt and American politics.
4. Untitled (Devil) (1982)
As one of the largest Basquiat paintings, this piece measures eight feet tall and sixteen feet wide. The painting features a demonic figure rising from the ashes while also highlighting the movement of expressive hand gestures. While most of the Untitled pieces were believed to be self-portraits, the dynamic brushwork and iconic skull figure also contributed to Basquiat's classic style and the influential Neo-expressionism movement at the time.
5. Versus Medici (1982)
Many Basquiat paintings were inspired by Renaissance paintings, particularly Michaelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci. This piece draws on the rich art history of that time, as well as the influence of the Medici family, a wealthy family of Italian bankers from the 1400s. This artwork was based on the infamous Medici’s, once the richest family in Europe.
6. Dustheads (1982)
Known as one of the most famous Basquiat paintings, Dustheads depicts two of Basquiat’s friends engaging in the drug PCP. The enshrouding darkness and wispy lines suggest a harrowing and illusive effect. Basquiat’s drug addiction was widely known around the world and this artwork debuted several years before his untimely death.
7. Untitled (ELMAR) (1982)
This work is also known as one of the most expensive Basquiat paintings, recently selling for $46.5 million. The sharp contrast of the colors and Basquiat’s distinct style communicate an air of openness in his work. This piece, along with his other work in 1982, contributed to what is widely known as Basquiat’s “Golden Year”.
8. Flexible (1984)
As one of the most regarded Basquiat paintings, Flexible is also considered his tallest artwork, measuring eight feet high. Basquiat used a picket fence for his canvas to encapsulate his message. A warrior king from African culture stretches and weaves his long arms for an iconic painting by Basquiat.
9. Warrior (1982)
As one of the world’s favorite Basquiat paintings, this piece features a figure with a crowned skull holding a sword, a symbol of invincibility. Many critics exclaim that this painting perfectly captures Basquiat’s creativity and aesthetic as a nuanced black artist. With this artwork selling at $41.9 million, art collectors agree on the originality and complexity of Basquiat’s work.
10. The Field Next to the Other Road (1981)
While most Basquiat paintings have disconnected imagery, this artwork features fairly identifiable figures. In this painting, a figure leads a horse in a field under the shining sun. This work was created when Basquait focused his paintings on allegorical imagery and high-concept symbolism.
11. La Hara (1981)
This piece is one of the most artistically mature Basquiat paintings in his collection. In the painting, a skeleton policeman stands behind bars, representing a role reversal and a powerful reminder of the racism that Basquait faced daily in his life. The title also plays on the Puerto Rican word jara, which is slang for “cop”.
12. Untitled (1981)
Many of the Basquiat paintings that are named Untitled have been considered the artist’s self-portraits, and this masterpiece from 1981 is no exception. This piece features a half-skull and a half-human face, alluding to the artist’s fascination with the space between life and death. The image could also be referencing a cultural African mask, exploring Basquiat’s identity.
13. Flesh and Spirit (1982–83)
This artwork could be considered one of the more unusual Basquiat paintings. Divided into separate sections, this piece combines an almost neutral palette with scratched skeletal images of human anatomy. The work was also named after historian Robert Thompson’s book Flash of the Spirit, which discusses African art in different parts of the world.
14. Irony of a Negro Policeman (1981)
Many Basquiat paintings share Basquiat’s cultural experiences as a black artist who is all too familiar with oppression in the black community. This piece boldly illustrates Basquiat’s exposure to the white-dominated police presence and encourages viewers to form a different perspective on the establishment.
15. Riding with Death (1988)
This piece could be considered one of the most prophetic Basquiat paintings, as it was created shortly before he died in 1988. In this painting, an African American rides a skeleton horse, but both figures appear to be crumbling apart. The style in this painting was also inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous work.
16. God, Law (1981)
Like many Basquiat paintings, this piece is highly symbolic while exploring Basquiat’s values and perspective. The work features a measuring scale floating above the words “God” and “Law”, with the scale slightly tilted toward “Law”. A dollar sign in the middle depicts Basquiat’s views where religion and law are highly corrupted by materialism and wealth.
17. Hollywood Icons (1983)
Many Basquiat paintings are renowned for disrupting social norms with bold honesty. Hollywood Icons points out the blatant exclusion and stereotypes of African Americans in the entertainment industry. The work was created during Basquait’s extended visit to Los Angeles and features two of his friends, a rap artist and a painter.
Basquiat paintings are a prized possession in the art world, with Basquiat's most expensive painting, Untitled (1982) Basquiat's skull painting, selling for over $110 million. Although Basquiat’s time on earth was short, his creativity, intention and symbolism in his work contributed to the rise of the Neo-expressionist movement in the art world.
If you’re looking for the cheapest Basquiat paintings, you’ll have better luck finding a printed graphic online or local artwork inspired by Basquiat. The legacy Basquiat left behind leaves an impression on inspiring and professional artists alike, and his collection forever changed the cultural and artistic landscape of the art world.
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