Trumpet, 1984 - Jean-Michel Basquiat - Framed art Print

• Framed Urban art print (40 x 40 cm) by Jean-Michel Basquiat.
• Buy this print framed for £165.
• Buy this print unframed for £55.
• Framed Size is 40 x 40 cm.
• Other print sizes and frame styles are available.
• To buy, or to see more size and frame options, select 'Choose frame'..

About this artwork

Jean-Michel Basquiat's passion for jazz was the driving force behind his painting, 'Trumpet', which he created in 1984. The artwork is an explosion of vibrant colours, scratched-out words, and nods to African American heritage, all elements that are symbolic of Basqiuat's style. Through his art, he revolutionised Western narratives by portraying black individuals as regal figures, often adorned with his signature three-pronged crown.

1984 was a pivotal year in Jean-Michel Basquiat’s meteoric rise from the streets of New York to international art stardom. Radiating with the raw energy and complex visual language that defined his career, this piece captures the artist's profound engagement with music, identity, and history. Part of the Neo-Expressionist movement that reacted against the cool intellectualism of 1970s art, 'Trumpet' is a vibrant, emotional, and deeply personal statement from one of the 20th century's most influential artists.

Looking deeper

Created with acrylic and oil stick on canvas, 'Trumpet' is a quintessential example of Basquiat's unique artistic voice. The year 1984 was one of significant achievement for Basquiat; he had his first solo museum exhibition and was collaborating with his idol, Andy Warhol. This period saw him produce some of his most confident and important works, deeply rooted in the cultural ferment of 1980s New York.

The painting is dominated by a central, crowned figure, rendered in Basquiat’s signature "stick-figure" style, which draws from a mix of street art aesthetics and a deep knowledge of art history. This figure is not just a simple drawing but a powerful symbol. In Basquiat's work, the recurring three-pointed crown serves multiple purposes: it is at once a self-anointed symbol of his own ambition and success, and a way to bestow royalty and sainthood upon his heroes—predominantly Black athletes, musicians, and writers. It was his way of challenging and rewriting a Western art history that had largely excluded Black figures.

Music, particularly the improvisational and revolutionary spirit of jazz, was a constant source of inspiration for Basquiat. The trumpet player in this piece can be seen as a direct homage to the great jazz musicians he admired. For Basquiat, jazz was more than just a musical genre; it was a metaphor for Black excellence, struggle, and cultural expression. The act of playing the trumpet becomes a declaration of presence, a powerful voice that cannot be ignored. The artwork's fiery red background and the energetic, almost frantic, application of paint and text convey the passion and intensity of a jazz performance.

Basquiat’s use of text is another defining characteristic of his work. Words, often crossed out, are layered into the composition, functioning as both visual elements and poetic commentary. This technique adds layers of meaning, inviting the viewer to look closer and engage with the themes of race, power, and identity that were central to his art. The crossed-out words are not redactions, but rather a way to draw more attention to them, encouraging a deeper consideration of their significance. 'Trumpet' is not a diptych or triptych, but a single, unified composition that powerfully channels the artist's Afro-Caribbean heritage and his experience as a Black man in America.

As wall art in your home

The artwork’s vibrant red and dynamic composition make it a commanding focal point as a framed art print.

'Trumpet' works well in a minimalist or contemporary interior with a neutral palette, providing a powerful splash of colour and raw, artistic character. It also complements eclectic and maximalist decors, harmonising with other bold patterns and textures.

Placed in a living room or study it pays homage to and mirrors the rebellious power of the jazz masters. The largest size of Trumpet also makes for a bold poster.