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
Skull (1981) is one of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s most iconic and enigmatic works, reflecting the artist’s complex relationship with life, death, and identity. Created during an early but intense phase of his career, this piece is characterized by its raw, expressive style, but also by its ability to convey a deep and multifaceted message.
The painting depicts a large skull, both grotesque and vibrant. The outlines of the skull are simple yet powerful, with angular strokes and dramatic lines. Basquiat uses a contrasting color palette, dominated by warm, earthy tones such as red, orange, and yellow, along with touches of blue and white. The skull seems to overflow with energy, full of marks and textures that evoke a sense of violence and chaos.
The skull is not only a symbol of death, but also carries connotations of internal struggle and personal suffering. Basquiat, known for his personal history marked by adversity, uses the figure of the skull to explore themes such as the fragility of life and the dehumanization of people, especially in African American communities. In his work, death is not presented merely as an abstract concept, but as something very real and close, connected to the everyday experience of those facing violence, racism, and poverty.
Through this piece, Basquiat also addresses identity and alienation, as the skull, with its exaggerated and distorted features, can be seen as a representation of an individual stripped of their humanity or cultural identity, particularly in the context of the experiences of Black communities in the United States. Basquiat often incorporates words, phrases, and symbols in his works that reflect his interest in cryptic messages and the deconstruction of meaning, and Skull is no exception.
The skull, often associated with mortality, in Basquiat’s context may also suggest the relentless presence of social oppression and how, in many cases, people’s lives are shaped by circumstances beyond their control. This approach to death is Basquiat’s way of engaging with the collective and personal traumas that defined his life, as well as the racial and social tensions of his time.
Skull is a work full of energy, with a strong symbolic charge, that breaks away from convention and offers a raw, direct view of life, death, and existential struggle. It is an example of how Basquiat used art to express his deepest emotions, challenging traditional representation and creating a piece that remains relevant today, both for its message and its unique style.
