Today in Paris, “Basquiat x Warhol: Painting 4 Hands ” opens at Fondation Louis Vuitton. It is the most comprehensive exhibition to date of the extraordinary friendship and collaboration between iconic contemporary artists Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988) and Andy Warhol (1928-1987).
Following its sweeping “Jean-Michel Basquiat” presentation in 2018, the Fondation further examines Basquiat’s oeuvre through the lens of his inspired partnership with Warhol. On view through August 28, the must-see show is curated by Anna Karina Hofbauer and Dieter Buchhart, alongside Olivier Michelon, curator of the Fondation. Over 80 collaborative paintings and individual artworks are displayed, in addition to pieces by fellow creative legends of 1980s New York: Jenny Holzer, Francesco Clemente, Futura 2000, Kenny Scharf, and Keith Haring. The bountiful presentation is rounded out by compelling photography, unveiling further the nuanced human beings behind some of the most renowned artwork of the 21st century.
Haring stated in 1988, the year of Basquiat’s death, “For me, the paintings which resulted from this collaboration are the perfect testimony to the depth and importance of their friendship. The quality of the paintings mirrors the quality of the relationship. The sense of humor that permeates all of the works recalls the laughter that surrounded them while they were being made. They are truly an invention of what William S. Burroughs called “The Third Mind”—two amazing minds fusing to create a third, totally separate, and unique mind.”
Additional programming surrounding the exhibition includes “Basquiat Soundtracks.” Presented by The Musée de la Musique of the Philharmonie de Paris, the special event offers guests an array of joyful concerts and unveils never-before-released audio-visual artifacts. A hypnotic, organic score by sound designer Nicolas Becker in collaboration with curator Vincent Bessières testifies to the inspired life and career of the divine artist.
