A Brush with Greatness: Basquiat x Banksy at the Hirshhorn

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A Brush with Greatness: Basquiat x Banksy at the Hirshhorn
by: Mardline Prevot


Photo by Mardline Prevot, VCDMA, BSU '25 
© 2024 Estate of Jean-Michel Basquait. Licensed by Artestar, New York

My recent trip to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington D.C. was more than just a field trip for my Advertising Design and Visual Arts program at Bowie State University. On that fateful November 21st, it became a day etched in my memory. The "Basquiat x Banksy" exhibition offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the works of two artistic giants in conversation, displayed for the first time at the nation's premier museum for modern and contemporary art.

As a huge admirer of Jean-Michel Basquiat since high school, a fellow Haitian descendant, the highlight was undoubtedly his "Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump" (1982). Seeing this vibrant masterpiece in person was a powerful experience. The raw energy and cultural connection Basquiat poured onto the canvas resonated deeply. The exhibition brilliantly placed this piece alongside Banksy's response, "Banksquiat. Boy and Dog in Stop and Search" (2018), sparking a dialogue about street art, contemporary art, and the ever-evolving social landscape.

The exhibition wasn't just about these two central paintings. A collection of Basquiat's works on paper and wood offered a fascinating window into his artistic process and the unique vocabulary he developed. We saw his use of language, recurring motifs, and his deep knowledge of art history, all meticulously presented. The inclusion of the film "Downtown 81" further enriched the experience, transporting us back to the electrifying New York art scene of the 1980s where Basquiat found his footing.

Leaving the Hirshhorn, I felt a surge of inspiration and a healthy dose of challenge. "Basquiat x Banksy" wasn't just an art exhibition; it was a conversation starter about artistic expression, identity, and the immense power of visual language. It was a reminder of the transformative power of art, and the impact it can have on those who connect with it.


Blog by: Mardline Prevot, Visual Communication and Digital Media Arts candidate, concentration Advertising Design Scholar 









Location: Washington, DC, USA

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