Il Duce 1982

Jean-Michel Basquiat's 1982 painting "Il Duce" is a powerful example of his signature Neo-Expressionist style. The artwork depicts a distorted and fragmented portrait, featuring a face with exaggerated features and a bold, graphic application of paint. The work's title, "Il Duce," refers to Benito Mussolini, the Italian dictator, suggesting a critique of power and authority. The use of bold colors, layered textures, and gestural brushstrokes creates a dynamic and chaotic aesthetic, reflecting Basquiat's interest in exploring themes of race, identity, and social commentary.