The artwork titled “To Repel Ghosts,” created by Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1986, is a compelling piece composed of crayon and wood. Known for its affiliation with the Neo-Expressionism and Street Art movements, this abstract work measures 112 by 83 cm and currently resides in a private collection.
The artwork features a dark, structured composition with a predominantly black surface punctuated by a bold white horizontal band near the top. This band exhibits a smudged texture, suggesting a layer of erasure or an unfinished quality. The phrase “TO REPEL GHOSTS” is prominently inscribed in white, stylized text, imbued with a sense of urgency and directness. The simplicity of the design, combined with the raw, unrefined execution, invites viewers to ponder the metaphoric significance and emotional intensity underlying Basquiat’s visual language. The overall aesthetic reflects Basquiat’s distinctive approach, characterized by its potent amalgamation of text, form, and texture.
