In a world exclusive exhibition, Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection, New York, pairs these three superstars alongside artists inspired by their legacy. Together they paint a unique picture of Pop Art across the past 60 years to present Australia.

Pop Art is larger than life. Often witty and always insightful, it comments on commercial and popular culture by reimagining the world around us – transforming the everyday into the extraordinary.

In the spirit of Pop Art, this exhibition is adventurous and shamelessly bold, featuring legendary artists that defined a generation. Walk the creative cross-roads between art and life and ask yourself – what, actually, is Pop?

In Australia for 15 weeks only and exclusive to HOTA, come together to discover a story of Pop and experience this incredible collection of works up close, direct from New York. Be part of something extraordinary.

The featured artists are – Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Katherine Bernhardt, Kwesi Botchway, George Condo, Damien Hirst, Kaws, Joel Mesler, Richard Prince, Tom Sachs, Julian Schnabel, Mickalene Thomas and Tom Wesselmann.

The Legends of Pop Art Exhibition
18th February – 4th June 2023
HOTA, Surfers Paradise
www.hota.com.au

Keith Haring (American 1958–90) and Jean-Michel Basquiat (American 1960–88) changed the art world of the 1980s through their idiosyncratic imagery, radical ideas and complex socio-political commentary, creating an indelible legacy that continues to influence contemporary visual and popular culture today. Each artist is acclaimed for his distinctive visual language, employing signs, symbols and words to convey strong social and political messages in unconventional ways.

The exhibition surveys each artist’s tragically short, yet prolific career through more than 300 artworks, including works created in public spaces, painting, sculpture, objects, works on paper, photographs and more. Crossing Lines provides local and international audiences with a comprehensive insight into each of these influential artists, as well as an understanding of their broader impact, both in the 80s and 90s and continuing today.

Beginning with examples of both artist’s work from the streets and subway stations of New York City, the exhibition presents works from each artist’s first exhibitions, their collaborations with each other, as well as with the likes of Andy Warhol, Grace Jones and Madonna. It continues by presenting some of their most acclaimed artworks, including pieces featuring Basquiat’s crown and head motifs and Haring’s iconic ‘radiant baby’ and dancing figures.

Curated for the NGV by Dr Dieter Buchhart, art historian and curator of recent monographic exhibitions on both Jean-Michel Basquiat (Fondation Louis Vuitton, Barbican art Gallery) and Keith Haring (Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris).

Keith Haring | Jean-Michel Basquiat – Crossing Lines Exhibition
NGV International, Melbourne
1 December 2019 – 13 April 2020
www.ngv.vic.gov.au