The artwork entitled “Roast” was created by Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1983, employing a variety of media including acrylic, charcoal, crayon, pastel, and pencil. This piece is a representative work of the Neo-Expressionism and Street art movements. The abstract genre of this artwork is displayed within the dimensions of 57 x 76.5 cm. It is also part of “The Daros Suite of Thirty-Two Drawnings” and is housed in the Daros Collection in Zürich, Switzerland.
Upon examination, the artwork is quintessentially Basquiat, with a vibrant and chaotic mixture of text, symbols, and color. Various phrases like “WORLD FAMOUS,” “PRIMA CLASSE,” and “TECHNICOLOR” suggest a commentary on branding and commercialism, hinting at a deeper social or cultural critique. The central visual element appears to be an abstracted rendering of a meat cut, possibly in reference to the title “Roast,” surrounded by what seems to be frenetic, energetic lines, scribbles, and overlapping colors, which is characteristic of Basquiat’s style. The juxtaposition of seemingly unrelated elements and the scribbled text “ROAST GOOSE” with an encircled “©” symbol create a complex and thought-provoking composition. Furthermore, annotations such as “REGISTERED U.S. PAT PEND.” and “POR FIN” add a layer of enigmatic context that invites diverse interpretations. The work’s spontaneity and rawness encapsulate the rebellious spirit of the artist’s oeuvre and the era it emerged from.
