The artwork titled “Santo versus Second Avenue” was created by the renowned artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1982. It is a part of the Neo-Expressionism and Street art movements and is composed using a variety of mediums including acrylic, crayon on canvas, and paper. The piece measures 137 by 106.5 centimeters and falls within the genre of figurative art. This work is currently held in a private collection.
“Santo versus Second Avenue” presents a complex and chaotic composition that is emblematic of Basquiat’s style. The artwork is characterized by a mélange of elements that overlay each other with a sense of urgency and raw energy. Dominated by a central skeletal figure rendered in red and white, the artwork is surrounded by an array of other forms and motifs. Some appear humanoid while others are more abstract, reduced to simple shapes or figures. The use of contrasting colors—striking reds against a parchment-like background—creates a visual intensity.
Notes, symbols, and words are scattered throughout, indicative of Basquiat’s engagement with text and graffiti-like scribbles. These elements convey a narrative quality, inviting viewers to decipher latent meanings or associations. The juxtaposition of disparate fragments and the layering of materials further enhance the sense of depth and dynamism within the artwork.
The artwork’s edges appear weathered or unfinished, revealing the raw canvases and paper, which contributes to the overall aesthetic of being in-the-moment and reflective of urban street culture. “Santo versus Second Avenue” exudes an archaeological ambiance — as if each layer represents a vestige of thought and culture to be unearthed. The ensemble results in a vibrant tableau that captures the spirit of Basquiat’s visual language, marked by spontaneity, rebellion, and a pointed commentary on contemporary life.
