Dr. Martens' 1460 and 1461 Receive Jean-Michel Basquiat Artwork

Two of Jean-Michel Basquiat‘s iconic artworks have found new canvases. After collaborating with PLEASURES last month, Dr. Martens has opted for a painterly rendition of its rugged 1460 and 1461 silhouettes, immortalizing the late artist’s enigmatic aesthetic.

The 1460 is etched with Basquait’s cover art for Beat Bop, a single by American hip-hop artists Rammellzee and K-Rob — its original pressing is widely regarded as the “Holy Grail” of rap records due to its rarity. Basquiat’s design is a slight departure from his typical approach, deciding to only draw the artwork in black and white instead of his usual use of color. The motifs, however, are consistent with the artist’s style — chaotic graffiti-like imagery of bones, crowns, an explosion with the word “BANG!” in it, roman numerals and a slew of other pictorial tropes. The sporadic artwork is emblazoned along the upper body of the boots, accented by thick yellow stitching along the seams, while the forefoot is kept clean and black.

In contrast to the monochromatic piece, the 1461 embodies a plethora of colors. The shoe incorporates Basquiat’s Dustheads, 1982, which sold for a record-breaking $48.8 million USD at Christie’s New York in 2013. The shoe’s heel and upper quarters have been kept black and minimal with tonal top-stitching, bringing out the vivid artwork along the tongue and forefoot. Furthermore, the shoe boasts a tall woven heel pull, a tiny crown motif at the top of the backstay and a well-cushioned AirWair midsole for added cushioning and support.

The Jean-Michel Basquiat x Dr. Martens 1460 and 1461 will be available on June 10, 12 p.m. EDT on Dr. Martens’ website, with official prices revealed on the day of the release.

For more from Dr. Martens, check out time-honored styles of the label’s sleek derby shoes.