Boxer Rebellion
by Jean-Michel Basquiat
Year: 1982-83/2018
Medium: Screenprint
Size: 29 x 39.5 in (73.66 x 100.33 cm)
Screenprint on Lenox Museum Board
Edition: 60. Signed.
Capturing the intensity of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s celebrated Neo-Expressionist language, Boxer Rebellion (1982–83/2018) is a screenprint on Lenox Museum Board measuring 29 × 39.5 inches (73.66 × 100.33 cm), issued in an edition of 60. The work channels themes of resistance, history, and cultural identity through Basquiat’s distinctive symbolism. Signed and carefully editioned, it offers strong provenance, exceptional rarity, and lasting appeal for discerning collectors.
Boxer Rebellion is a powerful work by Jean-Michel Basquiat that reflects the artist’s ongoing exploration of conflict, resistance, history, and cultural identity. The work originated from Basquiat’s studio practice and does not have a street graffiti version. Although Basquiat first gained recognition through his SAMO graffiti writings on the streets of New York, Boxer Rebellion belongs to his mature gallery period, when he transformed street-based expression into complex contemporary artworks.
The title references the historic Boxer Rebellion in China, a symbol of resistance against foreign influence and oppression. Basquiat uses this historical reference to examine broader themes of power, struggle, rebellion, and social inequality. His energetic marks, fragmented imagery, and symbolic language create a layered composition that connects past conflicts with ongoing questions of identity and control.
Collectors recognize Boxer Rebellion as a significant Basquiat work due to its historical depth, rarity, and connection to the artist’s most influential creative period. Works exploring political and cultural themes remain highly sought after by museums and serious collectors worldwide.
At ArtLife Gallery, we view Boxer Rebellion as a compelling example of Basquiat’s ability to transform history into personal visual language. Related to works such as Hollywood Africans, Per Capita, Charles the First, and Jawbone of an Ass, it represents the artist’s powerful era of blending social commentary, symbolism, and raw artistic energy.
Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988) was an American artist whose journey from New York's underground graffiti scene to the international art market transformed contemporary art forever. Born in Brooklyn to Haitian and Puerto Rican parents, Basquiat first gained attention in the late 1970s through the graffiti collective SAMO before becoming one of the defining artists of the Neo-Expressionist movement. Basquiat became so famous because he fused raw street culture with fine art, creating powerful works that explored race, identity, politics, and social inequality through a bold visual language unlike anything seen before. Although his career lasted less than ten years, his influence on modern art continues to grow decades after his death.
Basquiat's paintings are instantly recognizable for their energetic compositions, expressive brushwork, fragmented text, bold color palettes, and layered symbolism. Recurring motifs including crowns, skulls, anatomical sketches, athletes, musicians, and historical references reflect his exploration of identity, race, power, and cultural history. His collaborations with Andy Warhol further elevated his profile and remain among the most celebrated partnerships in contemporary art.
Today, Basquiat's work is displayed in leading museums and prestigious private collections worldwide. Among the biggest collectors and celebrity owners of Basquiat art are influential figures from the worlds of entertainment, fashion, and finance, reflecting his enduring appeal across industries. His cultural impact extends beyond the gallery, with major brands including Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Coach, Uniqlo, and Supreme drawing inspiration from his iconic imagery through high-profile collaborations.
For collectors, Jean-Michel Basquiat is widely considered a blue-chip investment. Original paintings regularly achieve multi-million-dollar prices at auction, while important works have sold for more than $100 million. Limited-edition prints and drawings offer more accessible entry points, although demand remains consistently high. The greatest advantages of investing in Basquiat include exceptional global recognition, strong secondary-market performance, and enduring cultural relevance.
More Jean-Michel Basquiat Works to Explore
Boxer Rebellion
by Jean-Michel Basquiat
Year: 1982-83/2018
Medium: Screenprint
Size: 29 x 39.5 in (73.66 x 100.33 cm)
Screenprint on Lenox Museum Board
Capturing the intensity of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s celebrated Neo-Expressionist language, Boxer Rebellion (1982–83/2018) is a screenprint on Lenox Museum Board measuring 29 × 39.5 inches (73.66 × 100.33 cm), issued in an edition of 60. The work channels themes of resistance, history, and cultural identity through Basquiat’s distinctive symbolism. Signed and carefully editioned, it offers strong provenance, exceptional rarity, and lasting appeal for discerning collectors.
Boxer Rebellion is a powerful work by Jean-Michel Basquiat that reflects the artist’s ongoing exploration of conflict, resistance, history, and cultural identity. The work originated from Basquiat’s studio practice and does not have a street graffiti version. Although Basquiat first gained recognition through his SAMO graffiti writings on the streets of New York, Boxer Rebellion belongs to his mature gallery period, when he transformed street-based expression into complex contemporary artworks.
The title references the historic Boxer Rebellion in China, a symbol of resistance against foreign influence and oppression. Basquiat uses this historical reference to examine broader themes of power, struggle, rebellion, and social inequality. His energetic marks, fragmented imagery, and symbolic language create a layered composition that connects past conflicts with ongoing questions of identity and control.
Collectors recognize Boxer Rebellion as a significant Basquiat work due to its historical depth, rarity, and connection to the artist’s most influential creative period. Works exploring political and cultural themes remain highly sought after by museums and serious collectors worldwide.
At ArtLife Gallery, we view Boxer Rebellion as a compelling example of Basquiat’s ability to transform history into personal visual language. Related to works such as Hollywood Africans, Per Capita, Charles the First, and Jawbone of an Ass, it represents the artist’s powerful era of blending social commentary, symbolism, and raw artistic energy.
Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988) was an American artist whose journey from New York's underground graffiti scene to the international art market transformed contemporary art forever. Born in Brooklyn to Haitian and Puerto Rican parents, Basquiat first gained attention in the late 1970s through the graffiti collective SAMO before becoming one of the defining artists of the Neo-Expressionist movement. Basquiat became so famous because he fused raw street culture with fine art, creating powerful works that explored race, identity, politics, and social inequality through a bold visual language unlike anything seen before. Although his career lasted less than ten years, his influence on modern art continues to grow decades after his death.
Basquiat's paintings are instantly recognizable for their energetic compositions, expressive brushwork, fragmented text, bold color palettes, and layered symbolism. Recurring motifs including crowns, skulls, anatomical sketches, athletes, musicians, and historical references reflect his exploration of identity, race, power, and cultural history. His collaborations with Andy Warhol further elevated his profile and remain among the most celebrated partnerships in contemporary art.
Today, Basquiat's work is displayed in leading museums and prestigious private collections worldwide. Among the biggest collectors and celebrity owners of Basquiat art are influential figures from the worlds of entertainment, fashion, and finance, reflecting his enduring appeal across industries. His cultural impact extends beyond the gallery, with major brands including Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Coach, Uniqlo, and Supreme drawing inspiration from his iconic imagery through high-profile collaborations.
For collectors, Jean-Michel Basquiat is widely considered a blue-chip investment. Original paintings regularly achieve multi-million-dollar prices at auction, while important works have sold for more than $100 million. Limited-edition prints and drawings offer more accessible entry points, although demand remains consistently high. The greatest advantages of investing in Basquiat include exceptional global recognition, strong secondary-market performance, and enduring cultural relevance.