“Irony of the Negro Policeman” is an artwork created by Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1981. Rendered in acrylic and crayon on canvas, the piece adheres to the Neo-Expressionism and Street Art movements. It measures 183 x 122 cm and, categorized under the genre of figurative art, is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork portrays a multifaceted figure, stylized in Basquiat’s signature, raw aesthetic. The composition is marked by a vibrant yet chaotic interplay of colors and lines. Predominantly, the figure’s head is rendered in black, reminiscent of a tribal mask or skull, with large, red-rimmed eyes. The background features sparse yet purposeful graffiti-like elements, including the titular phrase “Irony of the Negro Policeman.” This title, repeated within the composition, underscores the duality and societal critique central to Basquiat’s oeuvre, particularly its exploration of race, identity, and power structures. The artwork’s seemingly haphazard lines and vivid colors create a sense of urgency and commentary, challenging the viewer to delve into the complex ironies it encapsulates.
