J ean-Michel Basquiat’s 'Untitled' (1981) captures the artist at a creative crossroads—where the beat of the streets collides with the pulse of legend in the making. At just twenty years old, Basquiat weaves mythology, self-portraiture, and a raw kinetic energy into a vision of triumph and transformation.
Bursting with technicolor force, his crowned figure channels the gods, the streets, and the weight of art history itself. Layered in references to Quetzalcoatl, Michelangelo, Pollock, and more, Untitled reveals a frenzied prophecy of fame, struggle, and artistic immortality—all still happening right before your eyes.
'Untitled' is heading to the sale room as a star lot in The Now and Contemporary Evening Auction, presented in partnership with Celine, held live at Sotheby's New York on 15 May at 7:00 PM EST. Exhibitions are free and open to the public from 2-15 May.
