Untitled

Label Text

Basquiat's Untitled, 1984, is a superb example of the artist's approach to image making. Deriving his source material from cartoons, club culture, graffiti, Abstract Expressionism, and the work of vernacular or self-taught artists, Basquiat combined these elements into something new with a brashness and intensity that has rarely been matched. Basquiat rose to fame at a very young age as a member of Warhol's circle, and died of a drug overdose in 1988 at the age of 27.

Source: News, July August September 2012.

DimensionsFrame: 47 × 45 × 1 3/4 in. (119.4 × 114.3 × 4.4 cm)
Canvas (/image): 42 × 40 in. (106.7 × 101.6 cm)

Accession Number 2012.2

Classificationspainting

SignedJean 84 (verso l,l)

ProvenanceArtist. (Vrej Baghoomian Gallery, New York). David Kruidenier, Jr. and Elizabeth S. Kruidenier, Des Moines [acquired by 2006]; Des Moines Art Center [gift from the previous, 2012]

Collections

Collection Highlights

Images (1)

Audio (1)

DSM Speaks Audio Tour with Jazmine Johnson, Community Member

Audio Transcript

DSM Speaks Audio Tour with Jazmine Johnson, Community Member

Run Time: 53 seconds

Recorded by Jazmine Johnson, CultureALL Community Ambassador /

Seeing this piece for the first time I was in awe to be in this artwork's presence. I was amazed by something so moving about the loud emotions screaming through the color red. This piece is seen as not polished but powerfully shows humble beginnings of self-reliance.

Untitled, by Jean Michel Basquiat, is a unique blend of graffiti art, personal symbolism, and the exploration of racism, class, and human condition. Untitled displays bold lines, crossed out text, and raw imagery similar to African Art. Untitled solidified his reputation as a major figure in the Art World with his raw, genuine, and distinctive style reflecting complex personal experiences.

DES MOINES SPEAKS

DSM Speaks are short audio reflections on artwork in our permanent collection, written and voiced by diverse members of our community. Contributors to this program were selected in partnership with CultureALL and the Des Moines Art Center. We hope by elevating these diverse ways of seeing we can encourage all visitors to connect more deeply and to see themselves and their identities within our walls.