Jean-Michel Basquiat's The Figure Portfolio drawings represent a significant aspect of his artistic exploration, focusing on the human form and its expressive potential. Created in the early 1980s, these drawings showcase Basquiat's skill in capturing the dynamism and complexity of the human body through his unique visual language. The portfolio consists of a series of works that highlight Basquiat's interest in anatomy, identity, and the human condition.

One of the key characteristics of The Figure Portfolio is Basquiat's use of line and gesture to convey movement and emotion. His figures are often depicted in dynamic poses, with exaggerated limbs and distorted proportions, reflecting a sense of vitality and urgency. Basquiat's line work is spontaneous and energetic, capturing the essence of the figure with a few bold strokes. This approach is reminiscent of his graffiti roots, where speed and immediacy were essential (Whitney Museum).

In these drawings, Basquiat frequently combines anatomical detail with abstract elements. The figures are often shown with visible skeletal structures, internal organs, and other anatomical features, rendered in a way that blurs the line between scientific illustration and expressive art. This blend of realism and abstraction reflects Basquiat's fascination with the human body and his ability to transform it into a powerful symbol of life, death, and identity. The anatomical references also draw on his early exposure to Gray's Anatomy, a medical textbook that greatly influenced his visual vocabulary (MoMA).

The Figure Portfolio also reveals Basquiat's engagement with themes of race and identity. Many of the figures in these drawings are depicted with features that emphasize their blackness, such as dark skin tones, Afro hairstyles, and prominent facial features. By highlighting these aspects, Basquiat asserts the presence and importance of black bodies in the artistic canon, challenging the historical marginalization of black artists and subjects. The drawings serve as a form of self-representation and cultural affirmation, celebrating the beauty and complexity of black identity (Tate).

Basquiat's use of text and symbols in The Figure Portfolio further enriches the narrative and conceptual depth of the drawings. He often incorporates words, phrases, and symbols that relate to the figures, adding layers of meaning and commentary. This interplay between text and image is a hallmark of Basquiat's work, reflecting his interest in language and its power to convey multiple, sometimes conflicting, messages. The textual elements in these drawings can reference anything from historical events to personal experiences, creating a rich tapestry of cultural and intellectual references (Guggenheim).

Jean-Michel Basquiat's The Figure Portfolio drawings are a testament to his ability to capture the essence of the human form with both anatomical precision and expressive freedom. Through these works, Basquiat explores themes of identity, race, and the human condition, using his distinctive visual language to create powerful and thought-provoking images. The portfolio highlights his skill as a draftsman and his deep engagement with the complexities of the human body and spirit, making it a significant part of his artistic legacy (The Broad).