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.

After Andy Warhol’s arrival on the New York scene in 1949, he became obsessed with consumerism, the cult of celebrity, commodity, and pop culture – themes that led to the birth of Pop Art.

The King of Pop Art knew that money made the world go ‘round, and not only did he flirt with this idea, but he made passionate love to it! Although Andy Warhol came from a working-class family, he built an entire artistic career around commercial obsession. Moco Museum Barcelona welcomes the Pop Art Master for his lasting impact on culture and our world.

“I wonder if it’s possible to have a love affair that lasts forever.” – Andy Warhol

When Basquiat first started selling his work and making money, he felt like a superhero. In 1981, Jean-Michel Basquiat art transitioned from the streets to top-tier galleries. New York was a mecca for the arts, and he was at the center of it!

As an artist, Basquiat always had a unique way of representing his surroundings. Basquiat’s famous paintings often used an assemblage of symbols and clues to examine power structures. Although Jean-Michel Basquiat painted professionally for only 7 years until his death in 1988 at the age of 27, he remains at the heart of the art world.

Now, you can come face to face with Basquiat in Barcelona at Moco Museum. 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 Barcelona 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 Polka Dot Princess spent most of her time in nature where she had many hallucinations that she would describe as “dense fields of dots.” Yayoi Kusama’s pumpkin and polka dot works are a direct result from her lifelong obsessions with the subjects.

In Barcelona, Yayoi Kusama takes center stage at Moco Museum with a celebration of her iconic polka dot theme that she sometimes calls infinity nets.

Yayoi Kusama quotes: “As I repeated this process over and over again, the nets began to expand to infinity. I forgot about myself as they enveloped me, clinging to my arms and legs and clothes and filling the room.”

The Spanish painter and genius, Salvador Dalí was the leading figure in Surrealism. Not just an artist, he was a celebrity.

Salvador Dalí is famous for paintings and sculptures of clocks, elephants, and our wildest imagination. Many paintings by Salvador Dalí are inspired by the unconscious and dreams, a common interest amongst the Surrealists.

At Moco Museum Barcelona, Salvador Dalí takes the spotlight with Woman Aflame. The monumental, yet mysterious sculpture by Dalí reflects beauty, hidden secrets, and desire. The artist believed the mystery of a woman was her true beauty.

“A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.” – Salvador Dalí

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:

• Salvador Dalí, Woman Aflame, 1980. © Salvador Dalí
• Keith Haring, The Garden of Radio Delight, 1984. © Keith Haring Foundation.
• Yayoi Kusama, Night of Stars (TWOSA), 2007. © YAYOI KUSAMA