Leeches
by Jean-Michel Basquiat
Year: 2017
Medium: Screen print on Lenox Museum Board
Size: 22 x 30 in (55.88 x 76.2 cm)
Edition: 50
Signed
A striking continuation of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s influential visual legacy, Leeches (2017) is a screenprint on Lenox Museum Board measuring 22 × 30 inches (55.88 × 76.2 cm), produced in a limited edition of 50 and signed. The work channels Basquiat’s distinctive symbolism, social commentary, and expressive mark-making, reflecting his lasting impact on contemporary art. Its authenticated signature, rarity, and refined presentation make it a coveted piece for collectors. streets.
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Leeches is a provocative work by Jean-Michel Basquiat that reveals the artist’s sharp ability to transform language and symbolism into social commentary. Created during Basquiat’s mature studio period in the early 1980s, the work originated as a fine art composition and does not have a street graffiti version. While Basquiat first gained recognition through his SAMO graffiti writings in New York, Leeches reflects his evolution into a globally recognized contemporary artist using canvas, text, and imagery to challenge cultural narratives.
The title carries strong metaphorical weight, suggesting exploitation, dependency, and systems that drain power or resources. Basquiat’s layered marks, fragmented words, and symbolic references create a complex dialogue around wealth, inequality, identity, and social structures. His work often exposed hidden tensions within society, turning simple phrases into powerful reflections on human behavior.
Collectors value Leeches for its rarity, intellectual depth, and connection to Basquiat’s influential period. Works that combine his signature text-based language with social critique remain highly sought after by collectors seeking historically important contemporary art.
Curator Insight: At ArtLife Gallery, we view Leeches as a strong example of Basquiat’s fearless approach—using raw expression to reveal uncomfortable truths beneath everyday life.
Related to works such as Per Capita, Rinso, King Brand, and Hollywood Africans, Leeches represents the era when Basquiat transformed street-born ideas into one of the most powerful artistic voices of the 20th century.
More Jean-Michel Basquiat Works to Explore
Leeches
by Jean-Michel Basquiat
Year: 2017
Medium: Screen print on Lenox Museum Board
Size: 22 x 30 in (55.88 x 76.2 cm)
Edition: 50
A striking continuation of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s influential visual legacy, Leeches (2017) is a screenprint on Lenox Museum Board measuring 22 × 30 inches (55.88 × 76.2 cm), produced in a limited edition of 50 and signed. The work channels Basquiat’s distinctive symbolism, social commentary, and expressive mark-making, reflecting his lasting impact on contemporary art. Its authenticated signature, rarity, and refined presentation make it a coveted piece for collectors. streets.
Leeches is a provocative work by Jean-Michel Basquiat that reveals the artist’s sharp ability to transform language and symbolism into social commentary. Created during Basquiat’s mature studio period in the early 1980s, the work originated as a fine art composition and does not have a street graffiti version. While Basquiat first gained recognition through his SAMO graffiti writings in New York, Leeches reflects his evolution into a globally recognized contemporary artist using canvas, text, and imagery to challenge cultural narratives.
The title carries strong metaphorical weight, suggesting exploitation, dependency, and systems that drain power or resources. Basquiat’s layered marks, fragmented words, and symbolic references create a complex dialogue around wealth, inequality, identity, and social structures. His work often exposed hidden tensions within society, turning simple phrases into powerful reflections on human behavior.
Collectors value Leeches for its rarity, intellectual depth, and connection to Basquiat’s influential period. Works that combine his signature text-based language with social critique remain highly sought after by collectors seeking historically important contemporary art.
Curator Insight: At ArtLife Gallery, we view Leeches as a strong example of Basquiat’s fearless approach—using raw expression to reveal uncomfortable truths beneath everyday life.
Related to works such as Per Capita, Rinso, King Brand, and Hollywood Africans, Leeches represents the era when Basquiat transformed street-born ideas into one of the most powerful artistic voices of the 20th century.