“It Hurts,” created by the renowned artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1986, belongs to the Neo-Expressionism and Street art movements. The artwork is classified as figurative, embodying a vivid and dynamic approach that characterizes Basquiat’s style.
The artwork showcases a striking and chaotic composition, featuring a central humanoid figure rendered in green and surrounded by abstract and expressive brushstrokes. The figure’s head, painted in a contrasting red, is accentuated with sharp, jagged lines and geometric shapes, giving an impression of distress and intensity. The inclusion of textual elements, fragmented imagery, and disjointed forms further adds to the complexity of the piece. The use of bold colors and raw, unrefined brushwork is typical of Basquiat’s work, emphasizing themes of pain, conflict, and societal critique. The overall visual impact of the artwork is both compelling and thought-provoking, capturing the visceral and emotive essence of Basquiat’s artistic vision.