Basquiat T-Shirt - Off-White, "Untitled (Male Mandrill)"
This captivating t-shirt features one of Jean-Michel's rarely-seen drawings, a male mandrill sketched using colored pencil and graphite on paper. The piece also includes a hand-hewn copyright symbol, this was Basquiat's way of referencing the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of Black artists, who have been historically marginalized.
Finished with a crew neck, short sleeves and Basquiat: King Pleasure© Exhibition logo tab on the left sleeve, this soft, 100% cotton t-shirt shows off Basquiat's playful side and makes an eye-catching gift layered in meaning.
Product details:
- 100% Cotton
- Machine wash
- Round neck
- Short sleeves
- Straight hem
- Size: XS-2XL
- Made in Portugal
About the artwork:
Jean-Michel Basquiat, Untitled (Male Mandrill), n.d.
Using colored pencil and graphite on paper, Jean-Michel created this drawing of a male mandrill replete with his iconic copyright symbol. This represents one of the pieces rarely (if ever) seen by the general public before it was included in the Jean-Michel Basquiat King Pleasure© Exhibition. The piece echoes the imagery in Dry Cell, a painting Jean-Michel did for his dad in 1988.
The copyright symbol "©" can be found frequently in the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat, whether it be in his notebook texts or larger compositions. This symbol serves as a means for him to assert ownership over words and ideas, as well as a commentary on consumer culture. He used the symbols as a way to challenge the traditional power dynamics in the art world, where the artist's rights are often not protected. Additionally, The copyright symbol represented a commentary on consumer culture and the commodification of art and ideas in the world.
© Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Licensed by Artestar, New York
Items purchased on sale or through collaborations are final and not eligible for returns or exchanges.
HOLIDAY SAVINGS
Enjoy discounts storewide through store closing on 12/2
FIVE STAR RANKINGS
Shop the Emporium and see why so many customers give us 5-star ratings
THE KING PLEASURE© EMPORIUM
The King Pleasure© Emporium celebrates the acclaimed Jean-Michel Basquiat King Pleasure© exhibition with exclusive limited-run apparel, accessories, collectibles, home goods, and more.