“In this Case,” a figurative artwork crafted by Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1983, is a notable piece from the Neo-Expressionism and Street Art movements. Created using acrylic and crayon on canvas, the artwork is 196 x 188 cm in size and is part of a private collection.
The artwork showcases Basquiat’s distinctive style, characterized by vivid colors and dynamic form. The composition centers on a distorted humanoid face rendered with vigorous brushstrokes and bold lines. The face features various shapes and symbols, such as triangles, circles, and grids, contributing to an abstract and frenetic aesthetic. The prominently depicted eye and teeth, along with chaotic scribbles and layers of color, evoke a sense of intensity and raw emotion. The background contrasts dark and light hues, enhancing the figure’s prominent features. Through this piece, Basquiat’s mastery in merging expressive painting techniques with elements of street art is vividly evident, producing a compelling and evocative visual narrative.