Now's The TimeJean-Michel Basquiat · 1985

A Black Circle on Plywood

A large, roughly cut plywood disk holds a heavy black circle. This dark shape fills most of the frame, bisected by a thin white line. Inside this void, a smaller, imperfectly rendered white circle sits centered. The surface feels rough, like charcoal or crayon dragged across grain. White text, written in a chalk-like script, declares "NOW'S THE TIME" followed by "PRKR". There is no shading here, only the stark friction between black and white.

The Rhythm of the Mark

The lines are loose and expressive, suggesting a quick, urgent application of medium. The outer edge of the circle is not smooth; it possesses a visible texture that speaks to its immediate creation. This work from 1985 draws its title and spirit from Charlie Parker's 1945 jazz composition of the same name. It functions as a visual vinyl pressing, a tribute to the bebop legend through minimalist form. The composition relies on the tension of these simple shapes to convey a sense of proclamation. A single, thin vertical line provides the only structure within the dark expanse.

The weight of the black pigment creates a feeling of containment. It is a quiet, heavy presence that demands attention through its lack of ornament. The handwritten letters feel personal, as if the message was scrawled in a moment of sudden clarity. A cold, white light remains trapped within the center.