Boxer Rebellion

Boxer Rebellion is Jean-Michel Basquiat’s 1982 screen print created on a 29 x 39 1/2 inches (73.66 x 100.33 cm) platform, depicting what seems to be a boxing match. The painting represents tens of scripted words, both in English and Chinese, thus making it even more puzzling. This triggers the audience to engage their thinking and try to discern the objectives of the artist when creating the piece. Basquiat presents it in his characteristic graffiti style; a strategy that allows him to be rough and incomprehensible in his work. This screenprint is part of the Estate portfolio of Basquiat and draws its inspiration from the historical 1900 Boxer Rebellion in China.

This is indicated at the bottom of the painting, thus allowing the audience to have a clue of what the painting is all about. However, what is confusing is the fact that he incorporates boxers from the late 20th century, thus bringing more questions to the audience. The most probable explanation for this representation is to make the painting resonate with the current audience and also make it modern.