The artwork titled “Mitchell Crew,” created by Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1983, is an exemplary piece embodying the Neo-Expressionism and Street Art movements. This figurative work, executed with pencil on canvas and paper, spans an impressive 181.6 x 349.9 cm and resides in a private collection.
The artwork prominently features Basquiat’s trademark use of vibrant colors and repeated motifs, characteristic of his style. The composition is divided into three primary panels, unified by a consistent blue background. Various abstract and tribal-inspired skulls and masks dominate the scene, interspersed with textual elements and geometric shapes. Highlights include bold, thick lines and a dynamic layering of symbols, text, and imagery invoking themes of fame, identity, and ancient motifs, evident in inscriptions such as “Hall of Shame,” “Amenophis IV,” and “Mitchell Crew.” The painting’s chaotic, yet deliberate, arrangement of forms and the interplay of text and visual elements create a powerful and thought-provoking image, reflective of Basquiat’s unique perspective and artistic vision.
