Louisiana Museum Launches Major Exhibition on Basquiat’s Heads

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark is set to unveil a significant exhibition titled Headstrong, dedicated to the work of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Opening on January 30, 2024, and running until May 17, 2024, this showcase will be the first comprehensive display focused exclusively on Basquiat’s exploration of heads, featuring 45 works created during the pivotal years of 1981 to 1983.

Basquiat’s fascination with anatomy has roots in his childhood. After a car accident at the age of seven left him hospitalized, his mother gifted him a copy of Gray’s Anatomy, a medical reference book that sparked a lifelong interest in the human body and its representation. This foundational experience informed his artistic practice, as he noted at the age of 22, “I suppose I would start with a head” when asked how he typically began a painting.

Exploring Emotion and Identity Through Art

The Headstrong exhibition highlights works that range from caricaturesque to abstract and anatomical representations. These pieces delve into the complex interplay between surface and psyche, encapsulating a wide spectrum of emotion and identity. They reflect Basquiat’s journey from relative obscurity to becoming an art superstar, addressing themes of visibility and power.

Works on paper were integral to Basquiat’s artistic process. The drawings selected for this exhibition, predominantly created with rich oil stick, exhibit a raw intensity and immediacy. Many were produced on the floor and bear marks of their creation, such as dirt and shoe scuffs, which adds a tactile dimension to the viewing experience. These works, often kept private during his lifetime, provide a unique glimpse into the evolution of a recurring motif in his art.

As noted by Sophia Heriveaux, Basquiat’s niece, in the recent publication Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Head – The Mind, these artworks invite audiences to engage with Basquiat as a “fellow human mind.” This perspective encourages viewers to reconsider their connection to his broader explorations of race, representation, and power, particularly at a time when Black artists received limited recognition.

Complementary Catalogue and Insights

To accompany the exhibition, a comprehensive catalogue will be available through the museum, which includes new interviews with contemporary artists such as Arthur Jafa, Julie Mehretu, Dana Schutz, and Alvaro Barrington. The catalogue also features insights from George Condo, a friend and contemporary of Basquiat, further enriching the narrative surrounding the artist’s influence and legacy.

For more information on Headstrong and to plan a visit, interested parties can access details on the museum’s official website.

Located at Gl Strandvej 13, 3050 Humlebæk, Denmark, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art continues to be a vital platform for contemporary art and cultural dialogue. The exhibition promises to be a significant event for both art enthusiasts and those seeking to understand the complexities of Basquiat’s work.