The artwork titled “King Brand” was created by Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1983. This piece, notable for its use of acrylic, charcoal, crayon, pastel, and pencil, falls under the Neo-Expressionism and Street Art movements. Measuring 57 x 76.5 cm, “King Brand” is a figurative artwork and is part of “The Daros Suite of Thirty-Two Drawings.” Currently, it resides in the Daros Collection in Zürich, Switzerland.
The artwork is distinguished by its complex and multifaceted composition, characterized by a combination of text, symbols, and abstract forms. Prominent elements include a crown, anatomical sketches, and various phrases and words such as “KING,” “LOANS,” and “BABYLONIANS.” Various parts of the human anatomy are illustrated, like the brain and foot, alongside arrows and lines connecting different segments, suggesting a web of interconnected ideas. The presence of both medical and commercial references, such as “NORMAL BRAIN,” “PETROL,” and “PURE,” enhances the multifaceted narrative of the piece. The artwork’s energetic and chaotic layout, typical of Basquiat’s style, evokes a sense of intensity and depth, inviting viewers to delve into the layers of meaning and cultural commentary it embodies.
