Gri Gri - Jean-Michel Basquiat
Archival giclée
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Description
A striking 1984 composition by Jean-Michel Basquiat, featuring a central silhouette and symbolic red markings against a stark black and white background.
Gri Gri (1984) is a work by Jean-Michel Basquiat that demonstrates his interest in cultural symbolism and the reduction of the human form to its most essential components. The composition features a central, dark silhouette set against a stark white vertical field, which is then enveloped by a deep black background. This layering creates a sense of suspension, as if the figure exists in a void.
Basquiat employs a raw, immediate application of paint. The figure is rendered with minimal detail, yet the facial features, particularly the eyes and teeth, are articulated with sharp, aggressive strokes. The red lines that cross the torso and extend outwards suggest a connection to ritualistic objects or protective charms, from which the title derives. The term gri-gri refers to an amulet or talisman used in various African and Caribbean traditions to ward off evil or bring good fortune.
By stripping away extraneous detail, Basquiat focuses the viewer on the tension between the figure and the surrounding space. The work avoids traditional perspective, opting instead for a flat, graphic quality that recalls the immediacy of street art and the influence of primitive art forms. The limited palette of black, white, and red serves to unify the composition, directing attention to the stark contrast between the light and dark areas. This piece reflects the artist's ability to synthesise personal history, cultural heritage, and contemporary visual language into a singular, potent image. The deliberate simplicity of the lines and the starkness of the colour choices ensure that the focus remains on the symbolic weight of the subject matter, rather than on decorative flourish.
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Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
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We ship worldwide, printing at the production hub nearest to your delivery address. Delivery times and costs vary by destination — you'll see the options available to you at checkout.
Manufacturing
Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
Gri Gri - Jean-Michel Basquiat
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