Defacement. A arte-denúncia de Jean Michel-Basquiat: as vivências de um artista negro nos anos 1980.

Abstract

This work aims to analyze and debate violence, racism and the oppression suffered by the African-American population in the 1980s, based on the themes found in the paintings entitled “Irony of the negro policeman” (1981), “ Obnoxious Liberals” (1982) “Back of the neck” (1983) and “Defacement” (1983) by Jean-Michel Basquiat, one of the most important artists of the second half of the 20th century. It explores the connection between his works and the sociopolitical context of the 1980s in the United States, especially police brutality and racial stereotypes. Furthermore, the research seeks to understand how Basquiat subverts these images of control, recontextualizing them and offering a critical vision through a detailed iconological analysis. This study also aims to highlight Basquiat's role in amplifying the visibility of black people through his works. The analysis is expected to show how Basquiat used his art as an instrument of memory, giving prominence and recognition to historical figures, cultural icons and ordinary individuals from the black community. Therefore, the intended outcome is a deeper understanding not only of the social criticism in Basquiat's works, but also of his role in promoting the visibility and appreciation of the black community, and how he became an important agent in the construction of memory and identity beyond the art space.