The artwork titled “Eroica I,” created by Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1988, is a compelling piece representative of the Neo-Expressionism and Street Art movements. Executed in acrylic and pencil on canvas, this abstract painting measures 230 by 225.5 centimeters and is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork features an array of seemingly chaotic elements, juxtaposing textual and graphical elements. Words and phrases such as “EROICA,” repeated multiple times, “MAN DIES,” and “BASKET PENISAGON” are scrawled across the canvas, interspersed with sketches of trees, musical instruments, and abstract shapes. Basquiat’s typical use of vibrant, bold colors and raw, untamed brushstrokes are apparent, with patches of red, blue, and grey dominating the canvas. The complexity of the piece, coupled with its abstract nature, evokes a sense of contemplation and reflects Basquiat’s unique approach to art, characterized by his integration of street culture, symbolism, and a commentary on mortality and human existence.
