The artwork, titled “In Italian,” was created by Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1983. It utilizes acrylic and crayon on canvas, measuring 225 x 203 cm. Representing the Neo-Expressionism and Street art movements, the piece falls under the genre of figurative art.
“In Italian” features a vivid and chaotic composition, characteristic of Basquiat’s distinctive style. Central to the artwork are abstracted human faces and figures rendered in a combination of bright and muted colors, juxtaposed with crudely written text. The piece includes various symbols and phrases, such as “LIBERTY” and “CROWN OF THORNS,” interspersed with bold lines and fragmented elements, evoking a sense of urgency and raw expression. The layered imagery and seemingly disjointed elements come together to form a cohesive commentary on societal themes, infused with Basquiat’s personal symbolism and energetic brushwork.
