Emblem 1984

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s "Emblem," is rendered with frantic energy through stark lines and raw imagery. The bull, a symbol of power and virility, is here stripped of its might, bearing the words "SCALO MERCI," perhaps hinting at the commodification of strength, or the fleeting nature of worldly success. The image of the bull hearkens back to ancient Minoan culture where it was worshipped, and to the myth of the Minotaur, a beast trapped in a labyrinth, embodying primal instincts. In Basquiat's hands, the bull, adorned with what appears to be a soft cap, becomes a poignant emblem of lost grandeur. Notice the disembodied head hovering above, reminiscent of African masks. It is a recurring motif in his work, possibly signifying the artist’s grappling with identity and the weight of cultural heritage. This powerful presence, rendered with such primitive force, engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The bull-like figure, once a symbol of vitality, is thus subverted, echoing its multifaceted reappearance throughout art history, its significance perpetually transforming to reflect the times.