The artwork titled “Helmet” was created by Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1981. This sculpture, rendered in acrylic and found objects (objet trouvé), is a vivid example of Neo-Expressionism and Neo-Dada art movements. The piece, which measures 22.8 x 20.3 cm, is currently held in a private collection.
In this striking piece, the helmet is painted predominantly blue with patches of bare material showing through. The name “AARON” is inscribed in white paint on the front of the helmet, accompanied by Basquiat’s signature crown motif. The overall aesthetic is raw and unpolished, characteristic of Basquiat’s unique style. The use of an everyday object, transformed through artistic intervention, imbues the helmet with a new layer of cultural and historical significance. This work exemplifies Basquiat’s ability to blend contemporary urban elements with powerful, often personal, symbolic references.
