“Undiscovered Genius of the Mississippi Delta” is an artwork created by Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1983. The piece, executed with crayon on canvas and paper, belongs to the Neo-Expressionism and Street Art movements, and measures 121.9 x 467.4 cm. Classified as figurative art, the work vividly captures Basquiat’s characteristic style.
The artwork is a complex and vibrant composition that intersperses text, abstract shapes, and figurative elements. The canvas is dominated by a rich palette of yellows, whites, and blacks, with intermittent splashes of red, blue, and green. Prominently displayed text phrases such as “UNDISCOVERED GENIUS OF THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA” and “MARK TWAIN” allude to historical and cultural references. Various sketches litter the surface, including abstract human faces and anatomical depictions with notes labeling different parts, such as “NOSTRILS” and “TEETH.” The name “FIG. 23” appears alongside one of the faces, introducing a didactic element to the seemingly chaotic presentation. The artwork exudes an intense and raw energy, engaging the viewer in a deep reflection on history, identity, and social commentary through Basquiat’s unique visual language.
