Liberty from the Daros Suite, 1982-3/2017

By Jean-Michel Basquiat

Brooklyn-born Jean-Michel Basquiat emerged in New York’s 1970s art scene under the alias SAMO, becoming a leading figure in Neo-Expressionism. A rebellious youth, Basquiat was encouraged by his mother to pursue art, and by 15, he predicted his future fame. Though he died of a drug overdose at 27, his work remains highly revered.

Liberty, a posthumous screenprint from Basquiat’s 1983 original, is part of the 2017 Daros Suite, a collection of works reflecting his views on life, politics, and racial tension in 1980s America. Produced under the authorization of his sisters, the screenprints are the primary means for collectors to acquire Basquiat’s work today. Featuring anatomical sketches and red cross-hatching, Liberty explores the human body with a clinical, expressive style that combines street art and violent brushwork.