Jean-Michel Basquiat's works on paper hold a significant place in his artistic repertoire, reflecting his raw and expressive style. These pieces illustrate the wide range of subject matter and modes of expression he employed throughout his career, and are notable for their dynamic use of various media, including oilstick, crayon, acrylic, pen, pencil, and watercolor (VDWNY) (Artnet).

Basquiat's works on paper often serve as a more intimate and spontaneous extension of his larger canvas works. The themes prevalent in these pieces include autobiographical elements, depictions of Black heroes, comic and cartoon characters, anatomical drawings, and social commentary on issues such as racism and death. These subjects are rendered in a striking and true-to-life manner, revealing a deep personal and cultural significance (Musée Maillol).

An example of his work on paper is "Untitled" (1985), which combines graphite, colored pencils, oilstick, acrylic, and torn and pasted papers. This piece, like many of his works on paper, demonstrates Basquiat's ability to blend text, imagery, and a variety of materials to create complex, layered compositions that challenge viewers to engage with multiple meanings and interpretations (The Metropolitan Museum of Art).

Exhibitions dedicated to Basquiat's works on paper, such as those held at the Van de Weghe Fine Art and the Maillol Museum, highlight the importance of these pieces within his overall oeuvre. These exhibitions reveal how Basquiat used paper not just as a preparatory medium, but as a significant platform for his artistic expression, allowing for greater experimentation and immediacy in his work (VDWNY) (Musée Maillol).

Jean-Michel Basquiat's works on paper are a crucial component of his artistic legacy, offering insight into his creative process and the themes that permeated his art. These works continue to captivate and inform audiences, underscoring Basquiat's profound impact on contemporary art (VDWNY) (Musée Maillol).