Red Skull (1982 painting)

Red Skull is a painting created by American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988) in 1982. It sold for $21.6 million at Christie's in October 2017.[1]

Red Skull
ArtistJean-Michel Basquiat
Year1982
MediumAcrylic, oilstick and paper collage
MovementNeo-expressionism
Dimensions152.4 cm × 152.4 cm (60.0 in × 60.0 in)

History

Red Skull was executed in 1982, which is considered Basquiat's most valuable year.[2] His top three most expensive paintings sold at auction all date to 1982. The success of his first American solo exhibit at the Annina Nosei Gallery in March 1982 led to a string of major solo exhibitions internationally.[3]

Like many of his seminal pieces, the focal point of Red Skull is a potent skull. Basquiat's fascination with the human anatomy began as a child. While recuperating in hospital after being hit by a car, his mother gave him a copy of Gray's Anatomy, which left a lasting impression on him.[3] Heads and skulls became recurring images in Basquiat's oeuvre.[4] They are vividly evocative of African masks, which cultural reclamation. They also allude to Basquiat's Haitian heritage—specifically Haitian Vodou, which has plenty of skull symbolism.[5]

In October 2017, Red Skull sold for $21.6 million at Christie's Post-War and Contemporary Art Evening Auction in London.[1] A week after the auction, the anonymous consignor of the painting announced that he or she would donate all the proceeds after taxes to the New Jersey chapter of the Knowledge Is Power Program, a nonprofit that helps open new public charter schools.[6]

Exhibitions

The painting has been exhibited at the following art institutions:

  • Jean-Michel Basquiat: Une Rétrospective at Musée Cantini in Marseille, July–September 1992.[7]
  • Jean-Michel Basquiat at FAE Musée d'Art Contemporain in Pully-Lausanne, July–November 1993.[7]
  • Jean-Michel Basquiat: Témoignage 1977–1988 at Galerie Jérôme de Noirmont in Paris, October–November 1998.[7]
  • Pittura 1964–2003: Da Rauschenberg a Murakami at La Biennale di Venezia at Museo Correr in Venice, June–November 2003.[7]
  • The Jean-Michel Basquiat Show: 2006-2007 at Fondazione la Triennale di Milano in Milan, September 2006–January 2007.[7]

See also

References
  1. "Basquiat's Red Skull (1982) leads in London". Christie's. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
  2. Gotthardt, Alexxa (April 1, 2018). "What Makes 1982 Basquiat's Most Valuable Year". Artsy. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
  3. "From the inside out — Basquiat's Red Skull (1982)". Christie's. October 5, 2017. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
  4. Lee, Shannon (July 9, 2020). "Why Basquiat's Heads Are His Most Sought-After Works". Artsy. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
  5. Richter, Darmon (June 27, 2014). "The Modern and Macabre Vodou of Haiti". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
  6. Freeman, Nate (October 12, 2017). "Basquiat's 'Red Skull,' Sold at Christie's in London for $21.5 M, Will Fund New Charter Schools in New Jersey and Miami". ARTnews. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
  7. "Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988), Red Skull". Christie's. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
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