MASP prepares to host an exhibition of Jean-Michel Basquiat

In the midst of a recent major controversy in the State of São Paulo regarding the current mayor's attitudes toward graffiti and tagging, the MASP (São Paulo Museum of Art Assis Chateaubriand) will bring, in 2018, an exhibition dedicated to the work of the graffiti artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.

The Basquiat exhibit will be a tribute to the 30th anniversary of his death (1960-1988), being one of the main highlights in the museum's programming for the coming year. The exhibition will feature the section called Stories of Slavery, integrating and conversing with other African narratives that will be addressed by the museum during the same period and coinciding with the 130th anniversary of the signing of the Golden Law, which ended slavery in Brazil. Being the first major exhibition in Brazil dedicated to the artist, the show will include about 40 works, including paintings and drawings.

Regarded as one of the greatest representatives of American graffiti, through his unique aesthetics, Basquiat established himself, initially, through the term SAMO, before entering the world of art galleries. To learn more about the artist's journey, check out the article that discusses his influence in the world of art and streetwear.

Check out some works by Jean-Michel Basquiat below: