The artwork titled “All Colored Cast (Part III)” was created by Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1982. It is an exemplar of the Neo-Expressionism and Street art movements and is executed using acrylic and crayon on canvas. The piece measures 152.5 by 152.5 cm and falls under the figurative genre. Presently, this piece is part of a private collection.
The artwork is characterized by a vibrant and chaotic amalgamation of graffiti-like scribbles, symbols, and a centrally depicted figure. The background is dominated by a vivid yellow, upon which various texts and numerals are inscribed in a seemingly haphazard manner, creating a sense of movement and raw energy. Words such as “Alexander the Great” and “Jersey Joe Walcott” are visible, along with references to locations like “Haiti” and “China,” suggesting a narrative or thematic breadth that incorporates historical and cultural references.
The figure at the center of the composition is rendered in black with stark white highlights delineating skeletal features. This stark contrast adds a visual punch to the figure, making it a focal point amidst the surrounding textual and symbolic cacophony. The use of the crown motif above the word ‘paw’—often associated with Basquiat’s work—and anatomical references, such as indicators pointing to ‘chest,’ ‘liver,’ and ‘lungs,’ are in line with the artist’s recurring interest in internal versus external human experiences and identity.
The piece is a powerful expression of the artist’s unique visual language, incorporating elements of his heritage, societal observations, and personal iconography. It engages the viewer in a complex interpretive experience, where written words, symbols, and figures coalesce to evoke introspection and dialogue on multifaceted issues.
