Fortnite Basquiat Bundle featured in 11th April Item Shop

Epic Games just dropped two new Back Blings in the Fortnite Item Shop, showcasing the neo-expressionist work of the legendary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in Fortnite Chapter 3 Season 2.

Basquiat rose to fame in the 80s and became a cultural icon, using graffiti-style visuals to protest various sociopolitical issues, including colonialism and racism, but remains influential today. His work challenged traditional ideas of fine art by including recognisable pop culture references of the time.

"Influential even to this day, the art of Jean-Michel Basquiat is on display for you to display. Two Back Blings based on Basquiat pieces are available now in the Item Shop [...] Express yourself in a new way in Fortnite." Epic Games said in a blog post.

Fortnite showcases Basquiat inspired Back Blings

Fortnite players can purchase the Back Bling by visiting the Fortnite Item Shop. The Basquiat Bundle retails for 400 V-Bucks and includes Basquiat's Tuxedo and the Crowned Rex cosmetics, each inspired by real-life artwork.

The first part of the Basquiat set is based on Basquiat’s Tuxedo (1982), an acrylic oil painting. The original Tuxedo painting comprises fifteen individual drawings and collages, depicted in white on a black background.

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According to a spotlight by Fred Hoffman, author of The Art of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Tuxedo "conveys the qualities of elegance, refinement, and a sense of mystery that a tuxedo might bestow on its wearer."

The next part of the set is based on Basquiat’s Pez Dispenser (1983), inspired by a cartoon found on the packaging of Austrian sweets company Pez. The original work was done using acrylic and oilstick.

Notably, the Fortnite version of Tuxedo comes with a unique animation effect, which sees Basquiat’s iconic crown drawn on. On the other hand, the Crowned Rex cosmetic does not include any animations.

Epic Games did not indicate how long the bundle will stay in the Fortnite Item Shop; however, based on previously featured cosmetics, the Basquiat Bundle will most likely be available until 17th April 2022. So, don't delay and get your hand on this limited artwork while you still can.

Featured image courtesy of Epic Games.