Jean–Michel Basquiat: Engadin

An exploration of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s connection with Switzerland and the Engadin region, and its influence on his trailblazing work.

Though most often associated with New York, Jean-Michel Basquiat had a strong connection to Switzerland, which began in 1982 with his first exhibition at Galerie Bruno Bischofberger in Zurich. Throughout the 1980s, he returned several times, travelling to St. Moritz and the Engadin region.

This new book examines the artist’s relationship with the country and is published on the occasion of the exhibition 'Basquiat Engadin' at Hauser & Wirth St. Moritz. It was in Switzerland that Basquiat, Andy Warhol, and Francesco Clemente began to work on their collaborations, marking a significant turning point in Basquiat’s artistic practice.

Featuring an essay by curator Dr. Dieter Buchhart, this publication documents a unique body of work that captures the artist’s impressions of the Swiss Alpine landscape and culture through the lens of his iconic visual language.

About the Author

Jean-Michel Basquiat: Engadin is supported by Dr. Dieter Buchhart, who has written an essay for the catalogue, and Dr. Anna Karina Hofbauer. Internationally renowned modern and contemporary art curators and Basquiat experts, they have organized major exhibitions on Basquiat, Keith Haring, Ed Ruscha, Edvard Munch, Andy Warhol, Georges Braque and Alexander Calder, among others, for international institutions.