Gold Griot - Jean-Michel Basquiat

Jean-Michel Basquiat's 'Gold Griot' (1984) is a powerful example of his Neo-expressionist style, featuring a striking figure painted with oil stick and acrylic on a textured wooden background.

Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988) was an American artist of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent. Basquiat's art career began as a graffiti artist in New York City before he transitioned to painting. His work often incorporates text and imagery that explores themes of race, identity, and social justice. He died at the age of 27 due to a drug overdose. His work continues to be exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. Basquiat's art is known for its raw energy and emotional intensity. He combined street art with art history, creating a unique visual language. His paintings often feature skulls, masks, and other symbolic imagery. 'Gold Griot', created in 1984, exemplifies Basquiat's distinctive style. The artwork features a central figure painted with oil stick and acrylic on wood. The figure's head is mask-like, with bold outlines and expressive eyes. The body is rendered in a more skeletal form, with visible ribs and a simplified structure. The background consists of horizontal wooden planks, adding a sense of texture and depth to the composition. The colour palette is dominated by browns, blacks, and whites, with touches of red and blue. The overall effect is both striking and unsettling, reflecting Basquiat's exploration of identity and mortality.