Urban Decay's Basquiat Inspired Capsule Collection Is Here But Is The Campaign Culturally Sensitive?

Fans of Jean-Michel Basquiat will want to cop this “SERIOUSLY limited-edition collection,” a 12-piece makeup line inspired by the art and life of the artist, released April 20, by Urban Decay. Basquiat is having a major moment right now, as Sotheby’s New York just announced that the May auctions will likely set new records with the sale of a 1982 Basquiat painting, which the auction house predicts will sell for over $60 thousand, according to Artnet.

The new 12-piece makeup set pays homage to the artist with bright hues and vibrant juxtapositions of color Basquiat’s art is known for. Products are named to tap into the artist’s mindset, with lip and eye pencils called “anatomy,” “vivid,” and, “post punk.” However, the launch of the Basquiat x Urban Decay collaboration is somewhat tainted by parent company L’Oreal’s choice in Ruby Rose as the face of the campaign. In fact, the internet had a lot to say about the campaign foregoing a woman of color to launch the Basquiat x Urban Decay capsule collection.
Why the fuck are y’all getting a white woman to be part of honouring Basquiat, a legendary BLACK artist? Who Tf approved of this? https://t.co/OVOjAUcgaW — boqor riya. (@hausofriya) March 15, 2017

If you know Basquiat’s work and what he stood for – having his art splayed on a makeup line for corporate profit is awfully out of touch — Astrology by Mecca (@TheMeccanism) March 15, 2017
Women of color are under-represented in beauty campaigns as it is, according to The Huffington Post. So, it’s understandable that there’s frustration when L’Oreal decided to go with Rose as the face of the campaign that’s celebrating an African-American artist. True, Rose is known for her punk aesthetic and has a tattoo of Basquiat on her arm. But more importantly, Basquiat is internationally known as one of the 20th century’s greatest artists because of his brilliant authenticity in visually tackling issues of disenfranchisement, systemic racism, and consumer society.

Basquiat x Urban Decay Capsule Collection

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Ruby Rose as the face of the campaign

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One can’t help but wonder what the artist himself would say about the campaign and the limited edition collection itself.

About the author

Jill Di Donato

Fashion Editor

Jill is a New York native who holds a BA in Literature from Barnard College, and an MFA in writing from Columbia University. She is the author of the novel Beautiful Garbage (She Writes Press, 2013) about the downtown Manhattan art and fashion scene in the 1980s. A former staff writer for The Huffington Post and Bustle, Jill comes to Culture Trip after working with Refinery 29, Vice, Salon, Paste Style, Los Angeles Times, Nylon, Shopify, Autre, and producing content for emerging fashion labels. She teaches classes about fashion and culture at Barnard College and The Fashion Institute of Technology. Her prized possessions are her Gucci fanny pack, vintage rocker t-shirts, and her grandmother's collection of costume jewelry. She's always on the lookout for a gem-encrusted turban.