Installation view of Jean-Michel Basquiat's work, displaying five painted doors

Grandlife guide

On Show: New York Art World Icons Warhol & Basquiat

back to list

New York has long been fertile ground for experimental artists. Among the biggest players of the 20th-century avant-garde scene, none have spawned a legacy as profound as that of Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat. While the work of both artists is widely known, three exhibitions currently on show in New York provide a fresh and intimate look at the artists’ creative processes through lesser-known and newly discovered items. If you only catch a few exhibitions this spring, make sure it’s these ones.

On Show: New York Art World Icons Warhol & Basquiat

Jean-Michel Basquiat: Art & Objecthood 

In the early ’80s, SoHo and its surrounding neighborhoods were not only home to Basquiat but a rich source of materials, too. For the self-taught creator, discarded objects such as windows and doors, mirrors, wood boards, and subway tiles became canvases on which to proliferate messages of social justice and change. Curated by Basquiat scholar Dr. Dieter Buchhart, the exhibition is the first dedicated to the role of found objects and nontraditional media in the artist’s repertoire.

On view through June 11 at Nahmad Contemporary, 10am – 6pm Monday to Saturday. No appointment required. 

On Show: New York Art World Icons Warhol & Basquiat
On Show: New York Art World Icons Warhol & Basquiat
On Show: New York Art World Icons Warhol & Basquiat

Andy Warhol: Revelation 

For an artist as celebrated and widely studied as Andy Warhol, there is still so much to uncover. Andy Warhol: Revelation explores a lesser-known facet of Warhol’s artistic practice: his lifelong relationship with his Catholic upbringing. Throughout his career, faith was a continuous theme incorporated into his work through styles and symbolism, which reframed Catholic art history within the context of Pop art and culture. From iconic paintings such as The Last Supper to archival materials, drawings, prints, film, and rarely seen and newly discovered items—the exhibition offers an exciting glimpse into the creative mind of the enigmatic artist. 

On view through June 19 at Brooklyn Museum. Buy tickets—here.

On Show: New York Art World Icons Warhol & Basquiat
On Show: New York Art World Icons Warhol & Basquiat
On Show: New York Art World Icons Warhol & Basquiat
On Show: New York Art World Icons Warhol & Basquiat

Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure©

For the first time, Basquiat’s life and work are presented from the perspective of his family offering a rare insight into the artist as a child—the exhibition even includes a recreation of his childhood bedroom—a man, a son, and a brother. Spread across 12,000 square feet, the exhibition is a deeply moving, immersive experience celebrating the artist’s contribution to contemporary culture through never before and rarely seen paintings, drawings, multimedia presentations, ephemera and artifacts. There will also be live music, fashion shows, performances, DJs, education programs and more. 

On view at the Starrett-Lehigh Building in New York City until June 30, 2022. Admission is $35 and can be purchased—here.

On Show: New York Art World Icons Warhol & Basquiat
Installation view of the exhibition. Photography by Ivane Katamashvili, Courtesy of Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure.
On Show: New York Art World Icons Warhol & Basquiat
On Show: New York Art World Icons Warhol & Basquiat
On Show: New York Art World Icons Warhol & Basquiat

Featured Image:

You May Also Like

A Tour of Tribeca

A Tour of Tribeca

art & design
bars & nightlife
food & drink
stories
From a landmark liquor store turned menswear shop to farm-to-table dining in a three-story townhouse—our guide to the best spots to eat, drink, gallery hop and shop.
The Grandlife Guide to NYFF

The Grandlife Guide to NYFF

film
food & drink
stories
Must-see movies, where to watch them and other helpful hacks.
Sustainable Fashion, NYC-Style

Sustainable Fashion, NYC-Style

fashion
stories
The forward-thinking creators blending covetable design with eco-friendly practices.
Local Go-Tos with Todd Snyder, Jesse Harris and Austin James Smith

Local Go-Tos with Todd Snyder, Jesse Harris and Austin James Smith

bars & nightlife
food & drink
stories
We asked friends of GrandLife to share their favorite spots to drink, dine and brunch. Here’s what they told us…
The Best Cheap Eats Below 14th Street

The Best Cheap Eats Below 14th Street

food & drink
stories
From Vietnamese bánh mì to Eastern European comfort food—the flavor-packed offerings that hit the spot without breaking the bank.
Under The Radar Museums

Under The Radar Museums

art & design
fashion
film
music
stories
From a museum displaying historical artifacts of the NYC Subway to the house where jazz legend Louis Armstrong lived, we explore ten hidden gems.
Latest & Greatest: Best New Openings

Latest & Greatest: Best New Openings

bars & nightlife
food & drink
stories
From a glamorous martini bar to a French café and bistro housed inside the legendary Hotel Chelsea—the new top spots to check out downtown.
Glasses of Bubble Tea

Boba Fab! NYC’s Best Bubble Tea Spots

food & drink
stories
All you need to know about the sippable Taiwanese treat and where to find the best in the city.
Choose Your Stay
logo-sg
The Hotel That Made Soho Grand
Meet Me At The Roxy
Book Now