Modern Masters

The Modern Masters have inspired countless generations and united art lovers around the world. Each master is celebrated for having a unique vision. They seize their moment in time to reflect and envision the future. Daring to change our world, they create work that becomes timeless.

With global impact, Moco Modern Masters have found their way into homes and museums worldwide – shaping our collective consciousness. Their names, art, and ideas are deeply woven in the fabric of our everyday lives. Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Yayoi Kusama – All Icons.

When Andy Warhol arrived on the New York scene in 1949, he started as a commercial illustrator for magazines like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Immediately he was drawn to the high-heeled shoe.

New York in the 50s was powered by consumerism, the cult of the celebrity, commodity, and pop culture - all of which led to the birth of Pop Art. Today, Andy Warhol art, brings to mind iconic imagery of Marilyn Monroe, paintings of Campbell Soup Cans, bananas, flowers, and celebrity portraits. In Amsterdam, Andy Warhol is proudly exhibited at the Modern Masters exhibition at Moco Museum.

Jean-Michel Basquiat painted professionally for only 7 years until his death in 1988 at the age of 27. He employed a Neo-Expressionist style to engage both Western and non-Western traditions of art to highlight his own background and identity. In 1981, he successfully made the transition from influential street artist to world-renowned painter. Jean-Michel Basquiat began to exhibit his paintings and art internationally. Decades later, you can experience Jean-Michel Basquiat art at Moco Museum Amsterdam.

Still to this day, Basquiat paintings are deeply coveted and appreciated amongst art lovers across the world.

When asked to define his art, Basquiat replied, "royalty, heroism and the streets.”

Whether you were walking down the street, changing trains, or dancing until sunrise, bold drawings declared: Keith Haring was here! Now, Keith Haring is in Amsterdam at Moco Museum.

The Modern Master created icons that are now synonymous with the artist, such as Keith Haring Dog, Radiant Baby, Dancing Man, Bat Demon, and Angel among many others. Keith Haring’s original art was seen by everyone, and remains timeless because it reveals no hint of gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation - everyone is equal. The art of Keith Haring continues to speak to a world that's hip and streetwise, creative, spontaneous, and loving.

"Art is for everybody." - Keith Haring

The lifelong connection between Yayoi Kusama and pumpkins goes back to her childhood. The contemporary artist adores them for their “humorous form, warm feeling, and human-like quality.” The pumpkin brought Kusama back to a place of safety. At Moco Museum Amsterdam, the Yayoi Kusama exhibit is an immersive experience, dedicated to her love for pumpkins.

An interesting Yayoi Kusama fact: the renowned female artist voluntarily commits to living and working inside a psychiatric hospital, proving her creativity is unlimited.

Yayoi Kusama quotes: "My desire to create works of pumpkins still continues. I have enthusiasm as if I were still a child.”

In 1993, Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Room appeared at Venice Biennale in the Japanese Pavilion, completely filled with yellow polka dot pumpkins! She even had extras as takeaways for visitors.

Our collection exhibits artwork on loan and from the Moco Collection. We keep our exhibitions ever-evolving, so every visit is a fresh experience. Occasionally, this means some artworks online are not always on view in the museum. We appreciate your understanding.

Credits:
 

• Yayoi Kusama, Splendor of Stars, 2019. © YAYOI KUSAMA
• Jean-Michel Basquiat, Untiled (Portrait of Steven Lack), 1981. © Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Licensed by Artestar, New York.
• Keith Haring, Untitled (Telephone), 1981. © Keith Haring Foundation.
• Yayoi Kusama, Pumpkin (White), 1992. © YAYOI KUSAMA