“Brother’s Sausage,” created by Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1983, is an evocative piece rendered in acrylic and crayon on canvas. The artwork, a significant example of Neo-Expressionism and Street Art, spans an extensive 121.9 x 584.2 cm, and falls under the figurative genre.
The artwork features a dynamic composition that juxtaposes various elements representative of Basquiat’s style. On the left side, a grotesque figure of a top-hatted animal head with exaggerated features, labeled “Famous Sausage,” draws immediate attention. Beneath it, ingredients such as “beef, pork, salt, water, corn syrup, solids, sodium nitrate” are listed, mimicking a food label. The central area features repetitive motifs of sausage links over a backdrop of numerous small sketches and inscriptions, interspersed with red streaks that add to the chaotic and raw aesthetic. To the right, the artwork transitions into a collage of abstract forms, scribbled figures, and fragmented text, culminating in a highly stylized head enclosed within a circle marked “LIBERTY 1951 D”. The expansive use of canvas allows for an exploration of social commentary, personal symbolism, and a distinctive visual language that Basquiat is renowned for. The diverse textures and vibrant colors contribute to the artwork’s intense and layered narrative, reflective of urban life and cultural critiques.
