The artwork “Large Body of Water,” created by Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1983, measures 57 x 76.5 cm and employs a variety of mediums including acrylic, charcoal, crayon, pastel, and pencil. As part of the Neo-Expressionism and Street art movements, this figurative piece belongs to “The Daros Suite of Thirty-Two Drawings” series, and it is housed in the Daros Collection in Zürich, Switzerland.
The artwork features a raw, almost primitive style that is characteristic of Basquiat’s oeuvre. A central figure, reminiscent of tribal imagery, stands on the left side, wearing a decorated loincloth. His arm is extended towards a collection of objects, including a ‘WOODEN LANCE,’ a rudimentary rocket marked with numbers, and a schematic depiction of a ship labeled ‘PETROL.’ An arrow extends from the man’s arm towards the rocket, indicating direction or intention. To the right of the composition, the words “LARGE BODY OF WATER” accompany a roughly outlined rectangle, potentially suggesting a map or a body of water. The overall composition, with its spare use of space and combination of textual elements, creates a stark yet expressive narrative, reflective of Basquiat’s critique of contemporary society and historical, cultural themes.
