The artwork titled “After Puno” was created by Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1987. It is a vivid composition that utilizes acrylic and crayon on canvas, and it measures 215.5 by 153.5 cm. Belonging to the Neo-Expressionism and Street Art movements, this piece exemplifies the figurative genre. Currently, it is held in a private collection.
The artwork is marked by its raw intensity and the chaotic assembly of its elements, a signature approach of Basquiat. Various texts in different letterings are scattered across the canvas, with phrases such as “DESPUES DE UN PUNO” prominently repeated, suggesting a thematic importance. The application of paint ranges from thick, deliberate strokes to sprinkled and splattered areas, lending a dynamic and textured surface to the work.
At the center of the chaotic milieu is a figure drawn with an almost skeletal form. It possesses distinct features such as a mask-like face with x-ed out eyes, reminiscent of a skull, and radiates an aura of dissonance and rebellion. The figure is surrounded by a convergence of symbol-like shapes, scribbles, and seemingly random markings that collaborate to create a sense of urgency and raw emotion.
The color palette Basquiat employed in this artwork is both stark and contrasting, with bold reds and black strokes standing out against a backdrop of earthy tones and areas of white and green. The markings suggest a narrative or coded language waiting to be deciphered, indicative of Basquiat’s ability to merge text and image in an expression that evokes a personal and societal dialectic.
Overall, “After Puno” is a remarkable testament to Basquiat’s unique visual language that fuses street culture, historical reference, and a profound engagement with the human form. Its energetic and enigmatic presence continues to attract, challenge, and inspire audiences.
