Tenor 1985

Jean-Michel Basquiat made this painting, "Tenor," using paint stick and oil paint on canvas. Basquiat emerged from the graffiti art scene in New York in the late 1970s. He brought street art’s raw energy and social commentary into galleries and museums. Here, Basquiat layers text, symbols, and figures, creating a complex visual language. The black figures against a chaotic background evoke themes of identity, race, and power. Basquiat’s work challenges the predominantly white art world, critiquing its institutions and norms. His art reflects the socio-political climate of the 1980s, marked by racial tensions and economic disparities. He questions the social structures of his time, positioning himself as a progressive voice. To fully appreciate Basquiat, we delve into the cultural and historical context of 1980s New York, exploring resources like exhibition catalogs, critical essays, and biographical accounts. Art history shows us that artistic meaning is always contingent on social context.