Curator's Tour: "Basquiat x Banksy"

Fri Oct 03 2025 at 12:00 pm to 01:00 pm UTC-04:00

Independence Avenue at Seventh Street, SW, Washington D.C., DC, United States, Washington, District of Columbia 20024 | Washington

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Publisher/HostHirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Curator's Tour: "Basquiat x Banksy"
Advertisement
FREE
Meet at the Information Desk in the Lobby.
🎨 ABOUT THE TOUR
Hirshhorn curator Betsy Johnson will walk visitors through the exhibition "Basquiat × Banksy," which highlights two major paintings, one by Jean-Michel Basquiat (b. Brooklyn, New York, 1960–1988) and the other by Banksy (anonymous; b. near Bristol, England). Placed in dialogue, Basquiat’s "Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump" (1982) and Banksy’s response, "Banksquiat. Boy and Dog in Stop and Search" (2018), reveal throughlines among street art, contemporary art, and the popular imagination.
♿ VISITOR ACCESSIBILITY
If you have questions or a request for access services or accommodations that can improve your experience, please contact [email protected]. One to two weeks of advance notice is recommended but not required.
🖼️ ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
"Basquiat × Banksy" marks the first time that artwork by either artist has been presented at the nation’s museum of modern and contemporary art. The exhibition also includes 20 small works on paper and wood from the collection of Larry Warsh that Basquiat made between 1979 and 1985 and demonstrate the artist’s deep familiarity with art history, his use of language, and his signature motifs, such as skulls and crowns. The film "Downtown 81" (shot in 1980–1981 and released in 2000), a send-up of the denizens of Manhattan’s ’80s avant-garde that stars Basquiat as a struggling artist named “Jean,” is also on view.
---
Image credit: Jean-Michel Basquiat (b. Brooklyn, New York, 1960–1988), "Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump," 1982. Acrylic, crayon, and spray paint on canvas. Private collection. © Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Licensed by Artestar, New York
All images by Jean-Michel Basquiat, all likenesses of Jean-Michel Basquiat, and all use of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s name © Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Licensed by Artestar, New York.
Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Independence Avenue at Seventh Street, SW, Washington D.C., DC, United States, Washington, District of Columbia 20024

Sharing is Caring:

More Events in Washington

Emorfik
Fri, 03 Oct at 02:00 am Emorfik

Soundcheck

Washington DC Hiring Event
Fri, 03 Oct at 09:30 am Washington DC Hiring Event

Marriott

Enid A. Haupt Garden Tour
Fri, 03 Oct at 10:00 am Enid A. Haupt Garden Tour

Enid A. Haupt Garden

The 7th Annual Domestic Violence Rally Walkathon to Washington Capitol
Fri, 03 Oct at 10:00 am The 7th Annual Domestic Violence Rally Walkathon to Washington Capitol

United States Capitol, https://goo.gl/maps/pCuEnSXDDPeQKdG17

O Museum Poetry Slam & Tour (Slam Registration Page Only)
Fri, 03 Oct at 10:00 am O Museum Poetry Slam & Tour (Slam Registration Page Only)

O Museum in The Mansion

Small Planes Monthly Coffee Tasting
Fri, 03 Oct at 11:00 am Small Planes Monthly Coffee Tasting

2400 T St NE

FMS: Appalachian Chamber Music Players: In Search of Cassad\u00f3\u2019s Legacy
Fri, 03 Oct at 12:30 pm FMS: Appalachian Chamber Music Players: In Search of Cassadó’s Legacy

McNeir Hall, New North Building | Georgetown University

Tea & Conversation with bestselling authors Betsy Cornwell and Rhaina Cohen
Fri, 03 Oct at 01:00 pm Tea & Conversation with bestselling authors Betsy Cornwell and Rhaina Cohen

Goethe-Institut Washington

Stardew Valley - Symphony of Seasons at The Anthem
Fri, 03 Oct at 03:00 pm Stardew Valley - Symphony of Seasons at The Anthem

The Anthem

Ace Beverage: In Store Tasting - Virginia Distillery Co.
Fri, 03 Oct at 04:00 pm Ace Beverage: In Store Tasting - Virginia Distillery Co.

Ace Beverage Fine Wines and Spirits

Washington is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Washington Events