Basquiat and Warhol's Collaborative Works Draw Crowds at Fondation Louis Vuitton

The Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris is hosting 'Basquiat x Warhol, à quatre mains,' a major exhibition showcasing over 160 collaborative works created by Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol between 1984 and 1985. The show, curated by Olivier Michelon, draws massive crowds daily. The collaboration was initiated by gallerist Bruno Bischofberger, who introduced the two artists in 1982. Basquiat, then 22, sent Warhol the painting 'Dos Cabezas' after their meeting, depicting them side by side. Warhol, 52 at the time, was experiencing a creative decline. The duo worked several days a week at the Factory, producing works that blend Warhol's silkscreened logos and advertisements with Basquiat's graffiti-like crowns, skulls, and text. The exhibition traces their evolving dialogue, culminating in the 1985 show 'Paintings' at Tony Shafrazi Gallery, which received mixed reviews. The current presentation, running until August 28, 2023, aims to rehabilitate their partnership. The building, designed by Frank Gehry, provides a dramatic backdrop.