Jean Michele Basquiat: Eyes and Eggs

‘Eyes and Eggs’ by Jean Michele Basquiat always intrigues me, no matter how many times I’ve seen it.

Still on view at @thebroadmuseum, I’m always first drawn to the way the artist (presumably) trampled this piece, leaving black-painted sneaker prints throughout. It makes me think about how artists often take their work so much less seriously than on-lookers, readers, or listeners.

Joe’s red eyes are fried … just like the eggs in his skillet. And I often wonder about the juxtaposition between exhaustion and drug use and who can tell the difference between one kind of apoplectic and another. Is he tired or is he high, and is there even a difference?