The artwork “Victor” by Jean-Michel Basquiat, created in 1987, is an exemplary piece within the art movements of Neo-Expressionism and Street Art. It is composed using acrylic, pastel, and wax on canvas, and embraces a figurative genre. The significant dimensions of the artwork, measuring 185.5 by 338 cm, underscore its commanding presence.
The artwork features a dynamic and chaotic arrangement, typical of Basquiat’s style, integrating vivid colors, abstract forms, and textual elements. Dominant hues of red, blue, and orange are noticeable, with the repeated use of the word “IDEAL” enclosed within bold, elliptical shapes. A central, elongated figure appears to be in a state of distress or movement, surrounded by scattered symbols, incomplete phrases, and gestural marks. The juxtaposition of the painting’s raw, graffiti-like strokes with scattered textual references evokes a sense of urgency and fragmented narrative, reflecting Basquiat’s profound engagement with the complexities of identity, society, and cultural commentary.
