Jean-Michel Basquiat’s 1982 masterpiece Warrior was offered at Christie’s Hong Kong as a landmark single-lot auction titled We Are All Warriors, carrying a pre-sale estimate of $31–41 million USD (HKD 240–320 million). The sale positioned the work as a potential record-breaker, with expectations to become one of the most expensive Western artworks ever sold in Asia.
Executed in acrylic, oil stick, and spray paint on a wood panel, Warrior captures Basquiat’s signature visual intensity through a commanding figure crowned with his iconic skull-like head. The piece is widely regarded as one of the most important works from 1982—considered the peak of the artist’s career.
The painting was consigned by a private American collector who acquired it at Sotheby’s London in June 2012 for $8.7 million, underscoring its strong investment trajectory and enduring market appeal.
The auction took place at Christie’s Hong Kong, drawing global attention from collectors and institutions alike.
*Update: Warrior ultimately sold for HKD 323.6 million (approximately $41.8 million USD), surpassing its high estimate and reinforcing Basquiat’s dominance in the international art market.
