Sep 12, 2024 - Culture

Exclusive: Hirshhorn to host "Basquiat × Banksy" exhibit

Mimi Montgomery

An image of Jean-Michel Basquiat's “Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump." — Jean-Michel Basquiat, "Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump," 1982. Acrylic, crayon, and spray paint on canvas; 96 × 164 in. (240 × 420 cm) Private collection. All images by Jean-Michel Basquiat, all likenesses of Jean-Michel Basquiat, and all use of Jean-Michel Basquiat's name © Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Licensed by Artestar, New York.

The Hirshhorn will host an exhibition featuring renowned artists Jean-Michel Basquiat and Banksy's work this month as part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the museum tells Axios in an exclusive.

Why it matters: It's the first time pieces by either artist will be on display at the Hirshhorn, says the museum.

State of play: "Basquiat × Banksy" will center on two paintings by each artist: Basquiat's "Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump" and Banksy's "Banksquiat. Boy and Dog in Stop and Search."

Banksy's piece was created as an homage to Basquiat's, and the exhibition will focus on the dialogue between the two.

Also on display: Twenty small wood and paper works made by Basquiat, and the film "Downtown 81," which stars the artist.

Zoom in: The museum will also host programming tied to the exhibition, such as a talk by Duke University art professor Richard J.Powell on Oct. 10.

If you go: The exhibition will be on display at the Hirshhorn from Sept. 29 to Oct. 26, 2025.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that the exhibition will run through Oct. 26, 2025 (not 2024).

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Exclusive: Hirshhorn to host "Basquiat × Banksy" exhibit

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