CPRKR - Jean-Michel Basquiat

A striking 1982 work by Jean-Michel Basquiat, featuring his signature crown motif, raw oilstick text, and a blend of historical and contemporary references.

CPRKR, created in 1982, is a characteristic example of Jean-Michel Basquiat's approach to painting. The work incorporates text, symbols, and a raw, unrefined aesthetic that draws upon his background in graffiti. Basquiat often utilised historical references and personal observations, layering them onto the canvas to create a dense, visual narrative. In this piece, the artist engages with themes of power, history, and identity through the inclusion of specific dates and names, such as the reference to Charles the First.

The composition is framed by a rough, wooden structure, which adds a physical, object-like quality to the painting. The surface features a pale, off-white ground, upon which Basquiat applied bold, black oilstick markings. These lines appear spontaneous and urgent, reflecting the speed and energy of his creative process. The presence of the crown, a recurring motif in his work, sits centrally, flanked by redacted text. This act of crossing out words is a common technique for the artist, suggesting a tension between the desire to communicate and the impulse to obscure information.

Basquiat's work from this period often synthesises high art references with the vernacular of the street. By placing historical figures alongside contemporary locations like the Stanhope Hotel, he collapses time, forcing the viewer to consider the relationship between past events and the present moment. The stark contrast between the dark, heavy blocks of paint and the lighter background creates a sense of visual rhythm. This print captures the texture and immediacy of the original, preserving the raw quality of the oilstick marks and the deliberate, unpolished nature of the composition. It remains a direct representation of the artist's unique visual language.