Titled “Replicas,” a 1983 artwork by Jean-Michel Basquiat, this piece exemplifies the Neo-Expressionism and Street Art movements. Created using a variety of mediums including acrylic, charcoal, crayon, pastel, and pencil, the artwork measures 57 x 76.5 cm and belongs to the series “The Daros Suite of Thirty-Two Drawings.” It is currently part of the Daros Collection in Zürich, Switzerland. The artwork falls within the abstract genre, featuring a collage of seemingly disparate elements that invite contemplation and interpretation.
“Replicas” presents a chaotic amalgamation of drawings, words, symbols, and abstract forms. Its monochromatic palette, punctuated by a few areas of dense black and random sketches, creates a contrast that draws the eye across the canvas. The artwork is permeated with references to culture, history, and the artist’s personal iconography, including phrases like “PLUTO” and “ACTUAL SIZE,” as well as symbolic figures and enigmatic sketches. The disordered composition and the starkness of the imagery encapsulate Basquiat’s distinctive style, reflecting his exploration of complex themes through an abstract visual language.
