Limited Edition of 20 • 4 Sold

A pivotal work in the artist’s exploration of image construction, generative systems, and contemporary visual language. Created in 2022, Black Art Matters marks a significant departure from the artist’s traditional mosaic practice while preserving the conceptual foundations that have defined his work for decades.

Using a precision plotter equipped with a pen instead of a cutting blade, the artist transforms language itself into an image-making system. The portrait of Jean-Michel Basquiat emerges from thousands of carefully positioned letters, replacing the pixel with typography as the fundamental unit of visual information.

The choice of Basquiat is particularly meaningful. As one of the most influential figures to emerge from New York’s urban culture, his trajectory embodies themes that resonate deeply throughout the artist’s own practice: independence, experimentation, resilience, and the transformation of marginal spaces into platforms for cultural innovation.

At close range, the viewer encounters a field of words and fragmented language. From a distance, the letters merge into a recognizable portrait. This dual reading continues a recurring investigation present throughout the artist’s work, where perception shifts according to scale, distance, and attention.

The piece also reflects the growing influence of generative art and algorithmic thinking during the early NFT era. Inspired by emerging platforms dedicated to code-based creation, the artist explores how machines can become active participants in the creative process while remaining guided by human intention and authorship.

Produced as a limited edition of twenty plotter drawings, Black Art Matters occupies a unique position within the artist’s catalogue. It bridges street culture, generative art, typography, and portraiture while expanding the definition of what a pixel-based practice can become.

Available for acquisition.