A new exhibition at Hauser & Wirth St. Moritz examines Jean-Michel Basquiat's connection to Switzerland, focusing on a period that began in 1982 with his first Swiss show at Galerie Bruno Bischofberger in Zurich.
The exhibition, titled "Jean-Michel Basquiat. Engadin." presents works that reflect the artist's response to the Alpine landscape, including his interpretations of the region's fir forests, ski infrastructure, and mountain ranges, all rendered in his distinctive style.
At the heart of the show is "The Dutch Settlers", a nine-canvas work that merges African Diaspora themes with Swiss cultural elements. The exhibition also features "In Bianco", a three-way collaboration between Basquiat, Andy Warhol, and Francesco Clemente. Other notable pieces include "To Repel Ghosts" and "Big Snow", which showcase a quieter side of Basquiat's work, influenced by Switzerland's winter landscape.
According to Dr. Dieter, Basquiat was drawn to the stark contrast between New York's urban intensity and the Engadin valley's peaceful atmosphere. This duality became apparent during his frequent visits to Switzerland, which numbered more than twelve throughout his career.
The exhibition runs until March 29, 2025, at Hauser & Wirth's St. Moritz location. The gallery is situated at Via Serlas 22, 7500 St. Moritz, Switzerland.
The show provides insight into how the Swiss environment influenced Basquiat's artistic development, particularly how the Alpine setting served as a space for his exploration of Black history through a different geographical lens. His time in Switzerland marked a distinct departure from his usual New York environment, offering new perspectives that shaped his later work.