Taxi, 45th/Broadway explained

Taxi, 45th/Broadway
Artist:Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol
Year:1984-85
Medium:Acrylic, oilstick, and silkscreen ink on canvas
Height Metric:196.2
Length Metric:272.4
Museum:Private collection

Taxi, 45th/Broadway is a painting created by American artists Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol circa 1984–85. The artwork sold at Sotheby's for $9.4 million in November 2018.[1]

History

Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat were formally introduced by Swiss art dealer Bruno Bischofberger in 1982.[2] Warhol was a renowned celebrity looking for renewed energy to revitalize his work and Basquiat had achieved recognition for his neo-expressionist paintings. Between 1984 and 1985, they created a series large collaborative works. As summarized by close friend and artist Keith Haring: "The paintings that resulted from this collaboration are the perfect testimony to the depth and importance of their friendship. The quality of the paintings mirrors the quality of the relationship."[3]

Taxi 45th/Broadway depicts a black man labeled "NEGRO" as he unsuccessfully attempts to hail a cab at 45th Street and Broadway. Meanwhile, a white taxi driver ignores him and curses profanities. This scenario was a reality for Basquiat.[4] Despite his meteoric rise from a downtown street artist to a sensation of the New York art scene, he still faced discrimination due to his race. "Being black and a kid and having dreadlocks, he couldn't even get a taxi," Haring said.[5]

Taxi, 45th/Broadway was previously in the collection of fashion designer Gianni Versace, and was auctioned by Sotheby's in London for £478,400 ($872,992) in 2005.[6] In November 2018, it exceeded the pre-sale estimate of $6–$8 million, selling for $9.4 million at Sotheby's Contemporary Art Evening Auction in New York.[7]

See also

References

  1. Web site: November 14, 2018. Contemporary Art Brings $362 Million, As New Records Are Set for Three African-American Artists. Sotheby's.
  2. Web site: Scott. Chadd. Judge Jean-Michel Basquiat-Andy Warhol Collaborations For Yourself At Jack Shainman Gallery's The School. 2021-01-13. Forbes. en.
  3. Book: Warhol. Andy. Andy Warhol, the Last Decade. Ketner. Joseph D.. Hartley. Keith S.. Volk. Gregory. Bischofberger. Bruno. Haring. Keith. Schnabel. Julian. 2009. Milwaukee Art Museum. 978-3-7913-4344-0. 205. en.
  4. Web site: Maneker. Marion. September 28, 2018. Sotheby's Basquiat Mini-Collection with $25m Pollo Frito + 3 Other Works. 2021-01-13. Art Market Monitor. en-US.
  5. News: Wines. Michael. August 27, 1988. Jean Michel Basquiat: Hazards Of Sudden Success and Fame. en-US. The New York Times. 2021-01-13. 0362-4331.
  6. Web site: Kinsella. Eileen. October 1, 2018. The Basquiat Blitz Continues: Sotheby's Will Auction Four Blockbuster Works by the Artist This Fall. 2021-01-13. artnet News. en-US.
  7. Web site: Barker. Chris. November 29, 2018. Basquiat and Warhol Contemporary Art Collaboration Sells for $9.4 Million at New York Auction. 2021-01-13. Chelmer Fine Art. en-GB.

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