“The Dingoes That Park Their Brains with their Gum” by Jean-Michel Basquiat, created in 1988, is an acrylic, crayon, and linen piece that belongs to the Neo-Expressionism and Street Art movements. It has figurative elements and measures 254 x 289.5 cm. The artwork resides in a private collection.
The artwork is an evocative composition set against a rich blue backdrop. It features several abstract and figurative forms, each rendered with Basquiat’s signature raw and expressive line work. The central elements include crudely drawn, skeletal-like figures with various elements interspersed, such as text and symbols. Notably, one figure on the left seems to have spiky, chaotic limbs and a head that appears almost mechanical or animalistic. The middle figure, possibly representing an anthropomorphic dingo, brandishes a stick-like object and has exaggerated facial features. To the far right, there is a character in formal attire with a top hat and bow tie, conveying a penguin-like appearance, reminiscent of Basquiat’s frequent use of anthropomorphism. Below this figure is a patch of vibrant yellow and red that appears to be flames, labeled as “ASHES,” adding to the artwork’s enigmatic narrative. The inclusion of fragmented text phrases, such as “KEEP FROZEN,” further contributes to the artwork’s layered, collage-like effect, imbuing it with a sense of urgency and social commentary.
