“Wine of Babylon,” created by Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1984, is a striking piece belonging to the Neo-Expressionism and Street Art movements. The figurative artwork measures 218.4 x 172.7 cm and showcases Basquiat’s distinctive style, characterized by bold colors, abstract forms, and layered imagery.
The artwork presents a vibrant yet chaotic arrangement of figures and shapes. Basquiat employs a palette dominated by earthy tones punctuated with vivid reds, yellows, and greens. The composition is marked by a series of seemingly disjointed characters and objects, which come together in a dynamic and expressive manner. Central to the piece are several humanoid figures, some with exaggerated features, suggestive of cultural and possibly mythological themes. Interspersed throughout are various symbols and words, adding layers of meaning and complexity to the artwork. The rough and spontaneous brushwork typical of Basquiat’s oeuvre imparts a raw, unrefined energy that engages viewers, inviting them to delve deeper into the underlying narratives and emotions.
