Keith Haring | Jean-Michel Basquiat: Crossing Lines

Last winter, the NGV saw over 200 works from New York's famed MoMA and over summer it housed the Escher x Nendo: Between Two Worlds — an exhibition showcasing the works of both Dutch artist M.C. Escher and Japanese design studio Nendo. So, it had some big space to fill.

Its 2019–20 summer blockbuster is Keith Haring | Jean-Michel Basquiat: Crossing Lines — yep, the NGV has succeeded in bringing yet another world-class exhibition to Australian shores. Similar to the Escher x Nendo and 2016's Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei exhibition, this one showcases an intersection between the two artists' careers (which were hugely influential in the late-20th century art world) and lives (which were both prolific, and tragically short).

The world-premiere retrospective is exclusive to Melbourne and delves into their radicalism, socio-political standings and distinctive imagery. Haring's iconic dancing figures and Basquiat's crown and head motifs can be found throughout the 300 works — which spans paintings, sculpture, objects, drawings, photographs, notebooks and pieces in public spaces. The exhibition will also house the artists' collaborations with some of the world's most-celebrated pop culture icons, including Andy Warhol, Grace Jones and Madonna. 

Images: Tom Ross.