Basquiat: Figures, Signs, Symbols at Pérez Art Museum Miami
The 'Basquiat: Figures, Signs, Symbols' exhibition at the Pérez Art Museum Miami showcases ten significant pieces from the Kenneth C. Griffin Collection, running until June 6, 2026. Curated by Franklin Sirmans and Megan Kincaid, it emphasizes Basquiat's visual language through works created between 1982 and 1985. Sirmans elaborates on the curatorial strategy of highlighting individual paintings for greater effect, providing benches for contemplative viewing. The exhibition includes a sculpture, a portrait by Lee Jaffe, and two videos featuring family insights. Sirmans also highlights Basquiat's Haitian and Puerto Rican roots, aiming to underscore the intellectual depth of his art. Notable works include 'Untitled (Yellow Tar and Feathers)' (1982) and 'In Italian' (1983).
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Basquiat: Figures, Signs, Symbols' at Pérez Art Museum Miami until 6 June 2026.
- Ten works from the Kenneth C. Griffin Collection, created between 1982 and 1985.
- Co-curated by Franklin Sirmans and Megan Kincaid.
- Includes 9 paintings and 1 sculpture, plus a portrait by Lee Jaffe and two videos.
- Basquiat's parents were from Haiti and Puerto Rico; he spoke Kreyol, Spanish, and English.
- In 1982, Basquiat had solo exhibitions in New York, Los Angeles, and Switzerland, and was the youngest artist invited to Documenta.
- Sirmans previously curated 'Basquiat and the Bayou' in 2014 and co-curated the 2005 Brooklyn retrospective.
- The exhibition includes works like 'Untitled (Yellow Tar and Feathers)' (1982), 'In Italian' (1983), and 'Pez Dispenser' (1984).
- Sirmans draws connections to Arte Povera, Christo, and David Hammons.
- The show aims to encourage close viewing and slow contemplation with benches.
Entities
Artists
- Jean-Michel Basquiat
- Franklin Sirmans
- Megan Kincaid
- Lee Jaffe
- Kellie Jones
- Fred Hoffmann
- Marc Mayer
- Christo
- David Hammons
Institutions
- Pérez Art Museum Miami
- Kenneth C. Griffin Collection
- ART AFRICA
- Brooklyn Museum
- Louisiana Museum
- Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat
- Artestar
Locations
- Miami
- United States
- New York
- Brooklyn
- Los Angeles
- Switzerland
- Denmark
- New Orleans
- Haiti
- Puerto Rico