4ft × 4ft (122 × 122 cm)
Original Decollage on Cradled Wood Panel (7.5 cm)
Yellow Neon Crown
Resin Finish with 24 Carat Gold Leaf

Built from appropriated street posters, historic boxing imagery, magazine clippings, spray paint, ink, layered halftone portrait work and 24 carat real gold leaf.

The surface has been torn back, rebuilt and layered over time, creating a fragmented visual biography of one of the most influential sporting figures in history. Hidden throughout the work are references to Ali's legendary fights, his Olympic triumph and the moments that defined his life both inside and outside the ring.

Muhammad Ali became more than a world champion boxer. He became a global symbol of confidence, defiance and self-belief, challenging expectations and refusing to be defined by others.

The title What's My Name references Ali's refusal to answer to his former name, Cassius Clay. During his 1967 fight against Ernie Terrell, who had continued to call him Clay, Ali repeatedly demanded, "What's my name?" The words became a powerful statement of identity, respect and self-determination.

The yellow neon crown represents earned status. In graffiti culture, a crown marks respect gained through impact and legacy rather than title alone. Ali's crown reflects a greatness that extended far beyond his achievements in boxing.

The weathered and decayed surface reflects the advertising boards found throughout urban streets, where layers of posters have been built up, torn back and exposed to the elements over time. The resin surface preserves this history while allowing fragments of paper, texture and signs of decay to remain visible throughout the work.

Fragments of Ali's extraordinary career are embedded within the layers, from his gold medal victory at the 1960 Rome Olympics to the Rumble in the Jungle and Thrilla in Manila. The 24 carat gold leaf references his Olympic beginnings and the achievements that followed.

Look closely and you'll find fragments of biography hidden amongst the layers, references that reveal themselves slowly as the surface is explored.

“What's My Name” celebrates a fighter who refused to let the world define him, becoming not only The Greatest in the ring, but an icon far beyond it.

Owner:

Purchased:

Price:

*This page is private & is only ever viewable to you