A history-making exhibition exploring the collaborative works of Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat opens at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris this week. The spring exhibit, which runs until August, focuses on the vast collection of paintings that the visionary duo created in tandem – 'à quatre mains' – over a period of two years in the mid-1980s.
The installation, set across several floors in the impressive Frank Gehry-designed building (which is worth a visit alone), follows on from the Fondation's successful 2018 show, which focused solely on the work of Basquiat, and attracted more than 700,000 visitors.
Between 1983 and 1985, Basquiat and Warhol struck up a creative partnership, collaborating on around 160 paintings together – approximately 80 of which are on display in this exhibition. One of their contemporaries, the artist Keith Haring – who witnessed this extraordinary, collaborative way of working firsthand – described it as a "conversation occurring through painting, instead of words," and as "two minds merging" to create a "third distinctive and unique mind".
The exhibition also features individual works by Warhol and Basquiat, as well as documents, photographs and other personal items belonging to each, in a vibrant recreation of the New York downtown art scene of the '80s.
"It is evident that Basquiat and Warhol had the same broad understanding of art and culture," said Bernard Arnault, president of the Fondation Louis Vuitton. "Both produced extremely personal works. They each brought unique perspectives, but now their creations speak to the entire world.And there is much to be learned from this lesson."
He continued: "Many of us would no doubt have loved to have been able to listen in on the discussions between Basquiat and Warhol and witness the birth of these 'four-hand' paintings. The spectacular exhibition we are now presenting of their collaboration between 1983 and 1985 is not simply a consolation, but rather their legacy for history, and for future generations."
Warhol and Basquiat were first introduced by Warhol's gallerist, Bruno Bischofberger, who regularly arranged for the legendary artist to meet young creatives. Warhol often concluded these meetings by painting the portrait of the person he had met but, on this occasion, it was Basquiat who rushed home to paint a double portrait of the two of them together – presenting them as contemporaries, side-by-side – and delivering it to the artist just two hours later. Warhol was impressed and inspired by Basquiat's speed, virtuosity and freedom, while Basquiat admired Warhol as an elder, a leading figure in the art world and for his groundbreaking impact on pop culture.
The exhibition opens with this seminal double portrait (above), and follows the pair's creative journey together. It concludes with a touching tribute to Warhol by Basquiat, following the artist's death in February 1987. Basquiat himself died a year later of an accidental heroin overdose at the age of 27.
Basquiat x Warhol. Painting 4 Hands runs until 28 August at the Fondation Louis Vuitton. For tickets visit fondationlouisvuitton.fr.
