The artwork, titled “Gri Gri,” was created by Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1986. It is executed with acrylic on canvas and measures 178 by 142 centimeters. “Gri Gri” is associated with the Neo-Expressionism and Street Art movements and belongs to the figurative genre. Currently, the artwork is held in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a haunting figure characterized by a skeletal, almost totemic appearance, rendered primarily in black and white with sporadic red accents. The figure stands centrally in a frontal pose, its arms extended horizontally. Basquiat’s use of simple, bold lines and colors imbues the figure with a raw, visceral energy. The figure’s face is particularly striking, with an emphasized eye and mouth that seem to convey a primal scream or distress. The context of the figure within a predominantly black background intensifies its stark, poignant presence, creating a powerful visual impact that is typical of Basquiat’s work.
