1983, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Untitled (Langston Hughes) -- Brooklyn Museum (special exhibition)
Jean-Michel Basquiat's expressive works present biting social commentary about mainstream society's simultaneous commodification of Black culture and disdain for Black people. Here the artist creates an homage to twentieth-century writer Langston Hughes, in the hopes of expanding awareness about him beyond Black communities in New York City. The drawing features repeated mentions of Hughes's name. Basquiat frequently included the names of Black writers, musicians, and sports figures in his works, demonstrating his knowledge of a breadth of icons.
1983, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Untitled (Langston Hughes) -- Brooklyn Museum (special exhibition)
Jean-Michel Basquiat's expressive works present biting social commentary about mainstream society's simultaneous commodification of Black culture and disdain for Black people. Here the artist creates an homage to twentieth-century writer Langston Hughes, in the hopes of expanding awareness about him beyond Black communities in New York City. The drawing features repeated mentions of Hughes's name. Basquiat frequently included the names of Black writers, musicians, and sports figures in his works, demonstrating his knowledge of a breadth of icons.