Mecca (Basquiat)
| Mecca | |
|---|---|
| Artist | Jean-Michel Basquiat |
| Year | 1982 |
| Medium | Acrylic paint and oilstick on canvas mounted on wood supports |
| Movement | Neo-expressionism |
| Dimensions | 177.8 cm × 172.4 cm (70 in × 68 7/8 in) |
| Owner | Jay-Z |
Mecca is a painting created by American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1982. In November 2013, it sold for $4.5 million at Sotheby's.[1]
History
Mecca was executed by Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1982, Basquiat's most valuable year.[2] The painting depicts the Empire State Building with an orange and black and white color with Basquiat's trademark crown, with a banner displaying the word "EMPIRE."[3][4] The painting was acquired at 1982 by the Gagosian Gallery in Los Angeles.[3]
In June 1998, it was exhibited and shown in at the Tony Shafrazi Gallery in New York.[3]
In November 2013, rapper Jay-Z purchased it for $4.5 million at Sotheby's as an anonymous buyer.[1][5][6]
See also
References
- 1 2 Sheehy, Kate (2013-11-20). "Exclusive | Jay Z snaps up $4.5M Basquiat painting". New York Post. Retrieved 2026-04-01.
- ↑ Gotthardt, Alexxa (2018-04-01). "What Makes 1982 Basquiat's Most Valuable Year". Artsy. Retrieved 2026-04-01.
- 1 2 3 "(#54) Jean-Michel Basquiat". Sotheby's. Retrieved 2026-04-01.
- ↑ "Jay Z snaps up Basquiat painting for $4.5 million (£2.78 million)". NME. 2013-11-22. Retrieved 2026-04-01.
- ↑ Jamshed, Zahra (November 22, 2013). "Jay Z Buys Basquiat's 'Mecca' Painting". Hypebeast. Retrieved 2026-04-01.
- ↑ Sayej, Nadja. "Beyoncé And Jay-Z Pose Alongside Rare Basquiat Painting In Jewelry Ad". Forbes. Retrieved 2026-04-01.