“Black Tar and Feathers” is a significant artwork created by the renowned artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1982, embodying the stylistic and thematic attributes of Neo-Expressionism and Street Art. This mixed-media piece incorporates acrylic, crayon, and spray paint on wood and measures 274 by 233.5 centimeters. Its genre is figurative, and it forms part of a private collection.
The artwork confronts the viewer with a vibrant, raw intensity characteristic of Basquiat’s oeuvre. The composition is divided into sections filled with symbolic and textural elements that suggest a narrative or commentary. The upper portion of the artwork showcases three distinct figures, each within their own space, marked by bold outlines and filled with vivid colors such as red, yellow, and blue set against a stark black background, providing a strong visual contrast.
The figures appear to be almost primal or childlike in their depiction, with one of them accompanied by abstract representations of objects and marks that may signify language or a form of communication. The dynamic interplay between the figures, symbols, and textual elements—some of which are crossed out or obscured—contributes to the sense of a disjointed narrative, inviting viewers to explore potential meanings.
The lower part of the artwork is dominated by a textured black mass that resembles a physical manifestation of “tar,” surrounded by white scrawling that may evoke the image of “feathers,” integrating with the title of the piece. This textural contrast serves to capture the viewer’s attention and may refer to multiple interpretations, perhaps touching on themes of oppression, identity, or transformation.
Overall, “Black Tar and Feathers” presents a powerful visual statement that encapsulates Basquiat’s interest in blending disparate elements into a cohesive yet challenging composition that stimulates discourse and reflection on socio-cultural issues.
