Hirshhorn Museum Pairs Basquiat and Banksy in Groundbreaking Exhibition

As a long-time admirer of street art and its transformation into high art, I am absolutely thrilled about the upcoming “Basquiat x Banksy” exhibition at the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C. Having grown up in the era where Basquiat’s vibrant works were a staple in underground culture, it is truly awe-inspiring to see his pieces now gracing the hallowed halls of such esteemed institutions.

As a gamer, I’m super pumped to share that come the end of this month, I’ll be heading down to Washington D.C.’s Hirshhorn Museum to catch an extraordinary double act – works by none other than Jean-Michel Basquiat and Banksy! This exhibition is set to run for a whole year, and it’s going to be nothing short of spectacular.

The artwork will be shown alongside Banksy’s revised portrayal, featuring stenciled police officers searching a skeletal figure that resembles Basquiat. Originally, Banksy crafted this piece outside London’s Barbican Centre to emphasize the irony of a street artist being showcased in a museum that usually removes graffiti.

1) Option: Both these artists have a track record of showcasing their work in public areas, with Basquiat stemming from the graffiti duo SAMO and Banksy’s street art garnering worldwide acclaim. They have also established themselves as heavyweights in auctions – Basquiat’s painting that set a record at $110.5 million USD, and Banksy’s “Love Is in the Bin” fetching $25.4 million USD.

The upcoming exhibition at the Hirshhorn features not only the main showcase but also twenty smaller pieces by Basquiat and a screening of the semi-autobiographical film ‘Downtown 81,’ starring the artist. Titled ‘Basquiat x Banksy,’ this exhibit will run from September 29, 2024, to October 26, 2025.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Independence Ave SW &, 7th St.
SW, Washington, DC 20560

2024-09-13 22:25

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