Swatch eternalizes Basquiat’s work into its new collection

Swatch x JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT becomes a vibrant tribute to the contemporary artist, framed in the fifth capsule collection of its Art Journey Collection line: a project of the Swiss brand that puts the focus on the brand’s love for pioneering artists through unique watch designs inspired by the work of artists. A concept that now revolves around Basquiat, and his subversive spirit with which he elucidated street art and subcultures.

The collection consists of three watches (titled after Basquiat’s works) incorporating elements typical of his paintings such as paint strokes, graffiti style and depictions of crowns, hands and faces. “Hollywood Africans” by Jean-Michel Basquiat thus channels the 1983 artwork of the same name. The watch’s bright yellow dial features the trio of figures from the painting, depicting rap musician Rammellzee, painter Toxic and Basquiat himself.

On the other hand, the “Ishtar” watch, named after the Mesopotamian goddess of fertility and war, combines text and Roman numerals on the black dial with the strap covered in historical references and faces taken from the painting.

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The last piece, Untitled, immortalizes on the dial one of the most representative symbols of the artist, the Basquiat crown, in a design that coexists with the signature of the artist himself on the lower strap.