The artwork titled “Per Capita” was created by Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1981. It is an acrylic, crayon, and graphite composition on canvas, measuring 203 x 381 cm. The artwork belongs to the Neo-Expressionism and Street art movements and falls within the figurative genre.
In “Per Capita,” Basquiat employs a raw and dynamic use of color, line, and form, embodying the spirit of Neo-Expressionism. The composition features a mixture of bold, gestural strokes and a collage-like assembly of images and words. Dominated by an array of reds, blacks, yellows, and blues, the central figure stands prominently, adorned in a skirt labeled “EVERLAST” and holding what appears to be a torch. Surrounding the figure is a compilation of text, symbols, and disparate imagery, including the words “E PLURIBUS” and “PER CAPITA,” which further enrich the complexity of the piece. The elements blend to create an intense, thought-provoking visual experience that is both chaotic and structured, characteristic of Basquiat’s distinctive style.
