Art Gazing : 2.14.25 (part 1) - Basquiat x Banksy

5/28/25

As I continue to develop and refine this blog, one thing I’ve been wanting to incorporate are my adventures in art. It is actually very fitting because my first photography job was covering exhibition openings at galleries around NYC for a photography magazine called Musée Magazine. This exercise helped to develop my candid style of event/documentary photography. 

So join us (as my wife is usually my co-pilot) as we review some outings from the past & present. Welcome to Art Gazing!

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(The Hirshhorn -Washington, D.C.), Friday. February 14, 2025 - It’s a day for love, so we did one of things we love doing most! Checking out some awesome art!

 2 of the most polarizing artist ever.  Their freedom and intention has been inspiring to witness. The more I see, the more I realize how prolific both are. 

This was truly special to see, how art creates a conversation — even though they are from different times, the work enables the two artist to interact. Banksy’s interpretation of “A Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump” adds another layer to the discussion started by Basquiat. In my opinion, I feel that both artist are pointing our attention to similar facts about our society, but from opposite ends of the spectrum of protest. Basquiat showed how a black man’s joy is so powerful, but threatening to the system, and Banksy illustrates how that joy has been and continues being policed, systematically.

Even though the focal point of the exhibit was this juxtaposition of these two pieces, there were also more pieces from Basquiat’s collection that showcase his visual language and style, including using found objects. Enjoy these selects!