Jean-Michel Basquiat: Selected Works 1978-1988

A focused presentation of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s work traces the artist’s development from early downtown New York experiments to major works from the final years of his career. On view May 9 through June 30 at The Bonnier Gallery in Little River, Jean-Michel Basquiat: Selected Works 1978-1988 brings together approximately 100 works curated by Grant Bonnier. The exhibition opens Saturday, May 9 with a public reception from 6 to 9:30 p.m., and regular gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Spanning Basquiat’s documented career, the exhibition includes paintings on canvas, works on paper, early collages and postcards, painted glass objects, collaborative works, ephemera and photographs by Andy Warhol. Together, the works reflect recurring concerns in Basquiat’s practice, including language, power, anatomy, heroism and erasure.

Highlights include Krong Thip (Torso), a 1983 work connected to Basquiat’s interest in anatomy; Spain, a 1985 painting that layers collage, Renaissance references and mechanical imagery; and Untitled (from the Famous Negro Athletes Series), an early 1981 work exploring fame, race and public recognition.