The artwork titled “Bishop” was created by the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1983. This mixed-media piece employs acrylic, charcoal, crayon, pastel, and pencil, embodying the characteristics of the Neo-Expressionism and Street art movements. It measures 57 x 76.5 cm and falls under the figurative genre. “Bishop” is part of “The Daros Suite of Thirty-Two Drawings” and is currently housed in the Daros Collection in Zürich, Switzerland.
This piece illustrates a chaotic and densely annotated composition typical of Basquiat’s style. Emphatic gestural marks, words, and symbols densely populate the artwork. The text interweaves with the imagery, including references to historical figures such as Charlemagne and Roland, injecting layers of historical narrative into the piece. The fragmented nature of the elements and the energetic line work suggest a rapid, stream-of-consciousness approach to the artwork’s creation. Basquiat’s characteristic use of text as visual and conceptual components of his work is prominent, offering viewers fragmented glimpses into his thoughts and influences. The artwork is marked by its raw, expressive quality that invites the audience to navigate through the jumble of historical references, personal symbolism, and commentary.
