The artwork titled “Hollywood Africans in Front of the Chinese” was created by Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1983. This piece, executed in acrylic and crayon on canvas, belongs to the Neo-Expressionism and Street art movements and is categorized under the figurative genre.
The artwork features abstract and vividly expressive elements that are characteristic of Basquiat’s style. It depicts three stylized human faces, each outlined in bold lines and filled with striking colors. The central figure wears a hat marked with the letter “Z,” while the other faces present prominent, detailed teeth. Text is scattered throughout the canvas, with phrases such as “TEETH,” “FIG 10,” and “Hollywood Africans in Front of the Chinese Theater with Footprints of Moviestars,” adding layers of meaning and context. The composition combines both graphical and textual elements, reflecting Basquiat’s exploration of the African American experience and cultural identity amidst the backdrop of Hollywood. The juxtaposition of words and images in this piece is both evocative and critical, suggesting a deeper commentary on race, fame, and history.
