Jean-Michel Basquiat’s first brush with Switzerland came in 1982 when he made his debut at Galerie Bruno Bischofberger in Zurich. While New York City remained his creative stomping ground, the serenity of the Engadin region would leave a lasting imprint on his practice.
Now, this lesser-known chapter of Basquiat's career is taking center stage in a new exhibition at Hauser & Wirth's St. Moritz gallery. In a flurry of fir trees, ski lifts and snow mountains rendered the artist’s signature visual language, Jean-Michel Basquiat. Engadin. explores his enduring legacy through a unique Alpine aperture.
Highlights include the nine canvas splendor of "The Dutch Settlers," where African Diasporic references meet the Engadin’s cultural landscape, and “In Bianco,” a trio collaboration between Basquiat, Andy Warhol and Francesco Clemente. Pieces like “To Repel Ghosts” and “Big Snow,” present a more tranquil introspection, as the snowy vastness of Switzerland served as a rich, meditative site for reflections of Black histories.
After his first exhibition, Basquiat would return to the country over a dozen times. As Dr. Dieter suggested, it was the “the contrast between the pulsating life, the clubs, the street noise, and the breakneck speed of the metropolis New York and the ‘discovery of slowness’ in the unique, overwhelming landscape of the Engadin,” that drew him closest to this enchanted region.
Jean-Michel Basquiat. Engadin. is now on view in St. Mortiz through March 29, 2025.
Hauser & Wirth St. Mortiz
Via Serlas 22,
7500 St. Moritz, Switzerland
Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast
