This triptych is formed by three skate decks made of 7 ply grade A Canadian maple.
© Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Licensed by Artestar, New York
Untitled (Rotterdam), created in 1982 by Jean-Michel Basquiat, is one of the many works that reflect the artist’s unique style, characterized by a fusion of spontaneity, chaos, and complexity. The painting exudes the vibrant energy and raw visual language Basquiat used to explore themes of identity, power, violence, and the experience of being Black in a racially charged social context.
In Untitled (Rotterdam), Basquiat employs his signature approach of painting with urgency and intensity, resulting in an image that feels constantly in motion. The work is filled with vigorous brushstrokes, fragmented forms, and a palette of bold, expressive colors. The background features bright tones like yellow, red, and blue, creating a dynamic contrast with the figures and symbols layered throughout the piece.
What stands out most is the central depiction of the human face—an element Basquiat returned to frequently. Faces and heads in his work often symbolize struggle, dehumanization, and the tension between life and death. In Untitled (Rotterdam), the face is rendered abstractly, with exaggerated and distorted features that convey aggression and desperation. The eyes, mouth, and facial markings appear caught in a frenetic energy, suggesting internal turmoil or chaos.
Basquiat’s style in this painting reflects his deep connection to graphic art and urban visual language, stemming from his early days in New York’s graffiti scene. His use of symbols, words, phrases, and cryptic markings—common throughout his body of work—also appear here, albeit more subtly. Like in many of his paintings, text and scribbles serve as abstract expressions of thought and emotion rather than straightforward messages.
Having grown up in an urban environment marked by racism and violence, Basquiat often used his art to comment on these personal and social struggles. Untitled (Rotterdam) is not merely a representation of a human figure, but rather a reflection of alienation, pain, and societal tension. The explosive color palette and aggressive forms suggest a visual manifestation of both internal and external conflict—something Basquiat experienced deeply as a Black artist navigating a world that both celebrated and marginalized him.
Although Basquiat didn’t always assign explicit meanings to his works, Untitled (Rotterdam) invites interpretation and stands as a powerful example of how he used art to express profound reflections on identity, social struggle, and human suffering.
The piece also captures the intensity of youth and rebellion, painted with a sense of urgency that’s palpable. Created during the peak of his career, Untitled (Rotterdam) belongs to a period when Basquiat was gaining recognition in galleries and the art market, yet his work remained a testament to the personal and collective battles that defined his voice.
In short, Untitled (Rotterdam) encapsulates Basquiat’s visceral energy, his social critique, and his extraordinary ability to translate deeply personal and complex themes into a raw, impactful visual language.
