Basquiat × Banksy at the Hirshhorn: A Missed Opportunity
Hirshhorn Museum, Washington, D.C.
On View Through October 26, 2025
The Basquiat × Banksy exhibition at the Hirshhorn Museum sets out to place two cultural titans—Jean-Michel Basquiat and Banksy—in conversation through a focused presentation of their work. At its center are two major paintings: Basquiat’s Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump (1982) and Banksy’s response piece, Banksquiat. Boy and Dog in Stop and Search (2018). While the curatorial premise promises a rich dialogue between street art, contemporary art, and popular culture, the actual execution feels surprisingly thin.
When you first walk into the exhibition, a small screen plays Downtown 81, the semi-fictional film shot in the early ’80s starring Basquiat as a struggling artist in New York’s downtown scene. While it offers a glimpse into his world and charisma, the setup feels more like a footnote than a focal point, lacking the impact to truly frame the experience that follows.
For those familiar with either artist, the show may feel underwhelming. The selection—particularly from Banksy—is minimal to the point of feeling symbolic rather than substantive. His lone contribution, the 2018 Banksquiat piece, is visually strong but stands too alone to create meaningful dialogue. Meanwhile, the 20 small works by Basquiat, drawn from the Larry Warsh collection, offer moments of intrigue with familiar motifs like crowns and skulls, but they don’t fully capture the raw energy or complexity of his practice.
For newcomers, the exhibition may serve as a brief introduction, but it’s not especially enlightening. It lacks context, depth, and a cohesive narrative to help viewers understand the significance of either artist or their connection.
In the end, Basquiat × Banksy feels like a missed opportunity—more of a teaser than a true exploration. If you’re already at the Hirshhorn or doing the full Smithsonian museum tour, it’s worth a quick walkthrough. But don’t carve out time in your day just to see this one. If you miss it, you’re not missing much.
I would love to have the opportunity to see Basquiat's Boy and Dog in Johnnypump. Not a huge fan of Banksy.
I was very lucky to do a short film about Basquiat's 'Pattya', and it was a great experience being able to spend so much time with the painting.
Thanks for the review!