Keith Haring/Jean-Michel Basquiat - Crossing Lines

Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat were two twentieth-century art icons whose personal and artistic connections were explored in the exhibition Keith Haring | Jean-Michel Basquiat. The exhibition featured over two hundred images, essays, and interviews from renowned scholars, artists, and art critics, exploring the impact of Haring and Basquiat on the art world and beyond.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Two towering figures of twentieth-century art, Keith Haring (1958-1990) and Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988), left an indelible mark on the art world through their unique styles, bold ideas, and profound sociopolitical commentary. Haring, known for his iconic graffiti and street art, used vibrant colors and bold lines to convey messages of love, unity, and social justice. Basquiat, on the other hand, emerged as a leading figure in the Neo-expressionism movement, with his intricate paintings and sculptures exploring themes of race, identity, and urban culture.

Despite their vastly different backgrounds and artistic approaches, Haring and Basquiat shared a deep personal connection that played a significant role in their work. Haring, who grew up in a working-class family in Pennsylvania, was drawn to the streets of New York City, where he began creating his iconic graffiti murals. Basquiat, born in Brooklyn, was exposed to the vibrant art scene of the 1980s and quickly rose to fame as a young artist.

Their artistic collaboration began in the late 1970s, when Haring was commissioned to create a mural for the Whitney Museum of American Art. Basquiat, who was already well-established in the art world, was invited to join the project, and their collaboration resulted in the iconic "Untitled" (1982) mural, which became a symbol of the New York art scene.

The mural marked the beginning of a fruitful artistic partnership that lasted for several years. Haring and Basquiat collaborated on numerous exhibitions, including "Radiant Baby" (1982) at the Castello di Rivoli in Italy and "The Wild Boys" (1983) at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Their work was widely celebrated and exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.

In addition to their collaborative work, Haring and Basquiat each developed their distinct visual language. Haring, known for his use of simple, bold lines and symbols, often depicted everyday objects and figures in a childlike and playful manner. Basquiat, on the other hand, incorporated a wide range of symbols and references into his work, including African art, graffiti, and pop culture icons.

Despite their success and fame, Haring and Basquiat's careers were tragically cut short. Haring died of AIDS-related complications in 1990, at the age of 31. Basquiat, who struggled with drug addiction and mental health issues, died of a heroin overdose in 1988, at the age of 27.

Keith Haring | Jean-Michel Basquiat, a lavishly illustrated volume published by the National Gallery of Victoria in association with No More Rulers, offers a fascinating exploration of the personal and artistic connections between these two icons. The book brings together more than two hundred images, including works created in public spaces, paintings, sculptures, objects, works on paper, photographs, and more. These rich visuals are accompanied by essays and interviews from renowned scholars, artists, and art critics, exploring the reach and range of Haring and Basquiat's influence.

The book provides valuable insights into the lives, ideas, and practices of Haring and Basquiat, shedding light on the many intersections among their lives, ideas, and practices. It explores their shared love for New York City, their interest in social justice and activism, and their influence on the art world and popular culture.

In conclusion, Keith Haring | Jean-Michel Basquiat is a remarkable exploration of the personal and artistic connections between two towering figures of twentieth-century art. Through their unique styles, bold ideas, and profound sociopolitical commentary, Haring and Basquiat left an indelible mark on the art world and beyond. This lavishly illustrated volume offers a valuable look at two artistic peers and boundary breakers whose tragically short but prolific careers left their marks on the art world and beyond.

Weight: 2270g
Dimension: 237 x 290 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781925432725