The Best Examples of Boxing in Art

Here are some of the greatest works involving boxing in the contemporary art world.

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Complex Original

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Sports and athletics have been represented in a multitude of ways throughout art history. But unlike in literature or film, visual art has been notorious for providing harsh critical commentary on sports and its relationship to our culture as a whole. Underneath the glory and fame associated with athletic merit, there are underlying issues relating to race, class, and exploitation that artists often discuss in their works.

Boxing has always had a rich and colorful history, both in its showy, prizefight aesthetics and outlandish characters. Dazzling and disturbing, boxing has become a force of its own in the art world. A new book from Damiani and Paul Kasmin Gallery, Boxed: A Visual History and the Art of Boxing, captures some of the best works in art history on the glory of boxing. We chose pieces from the new release along with other famous works for our list of The Best Examples of Boxing in Art.  

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Gold Teeth (Mike Tyson on Plane to Japan) by Lori Grinker, 1988

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...All You Heard Was 'Poppa, Don't Hit Me No More!' (Or Momma...Take Your Pick) by Iona Rozeal Brown, 2013

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Google Portrait—Sports Moment by Ken Solomon, 2011

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Work Out by Libby Black, 2007

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Skeleton with Boxing Gloves and Crate by Jeanne Silverthorne, 2012

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To Be Twenty in Iran by Newsha Tavakolian, 2010

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Boxing Painting by Ushio Shinohara, 2006

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Boxer by Ed Ruscha, 1979

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Untitled (Boxing Island) by Yoshitoma Nara, 2004

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Untitled (Single Boxer) by Hew Locke, 2011

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Ice Cube's Eyes by Glenn Ligon, 1995

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Roy Jones Jr. With Fighting Cock by Cheryl Dunn, 2000

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Untitled by Christopher Wool, 1988

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Everforeward....(Neverback) by Gary Simmons, 1993

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Boxer Naranja by Ed Paschke, 2004

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Marquis de Sade by Erwin Blumenfeld, 1921

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Ten Punching Bags (Last Supper) by Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, 1985-1986

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Spiritual by Taner Ceylan, 2008

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Untitled (Boxer) by Jean-Michel Basquiat, 2005

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Basquiat Portrait 'SAMOKing' by O O

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Muhammad Ali by Andy Warhol, 1978

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Didn't Have a Prayer by Randy Hayes, 1984

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Glancing Blows by Randy Hayes, 1981-1983

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Boxeur by Malick Sidibé, 1966

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Dempsey and Firpo by George Bellows, 1924

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