MBS honours a legacy with the Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibition

As an artsy girl, I look forward to Singapore Art Week, abbreviated as SAW, every year. In 2025, many SAW classics will return like the Light to Night installation at the National Gallery. However, the one I’m most looking forward to is the Basquiat exhibition.

From now until 6 Mar 2025, the Behind the Canvas Series 1: Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibition will take over Exhibition Hall D of the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre from 10am to 8pm.

The exhibition is an immersive showcase of the artist’s legacy and his influences.

I first heard of Basquiat during the hype of the Jean-Michel Basquiat x UNIQLO UT T-Shirt collaboration. When it launched in 2019, the collection went viral all over social media. Everyone was in love with the artistic yet minimalist design of the T-shirts.

But first, who is Basquiat?

Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Jean-Michel Basquiat rose to fame during the Neo-Expressionist art movement of the 80s. His journey in the art world began when he was a teenager, tagging graffiti art in SoHo and the East Village.

These roots influence his art style. Basquiat is known for his raw, gritty illustrations and scrawly font. Sadly, Basquiat’s career was short-lived as the artist passed at the young age of 27.

The exhibition is a way to honour his legacy in the contemporary art world.

The Basquiat exhibition pulls back the curtain on the life and inspirations of the iconic artist, taking it all the way back to his early years.

Visitors will be treated to an interactive experience where they get to uncover never-before-seen sketches made by the artist. The exhibition will reveal more about his process and how he became one of the most renowned artists in the world.

Tickets start at S$43. Get your tickets now on Sistic. Terms and conditions apply.

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