Jean-Michel Basquiat’s early piece New York, New York (1981) will be on show from next month at HOTA Gallery on the Gold Coast. 

Painted in 1981 when Basquiat was transitioning from spray painting the streets of New York to canvas, it portrays what life was like in the urban landscape. 

The frenetic composition speaks of a city in disarray, with references to skyscrapers, subway posters, and of course Basquiat's iconic crowns throughout. In typical Pop Art style, the word MILK appears to be a critique of commercial culture.

See New York, New York (1981) up close at HOTA on the Gold Coast at Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection, New York. The exhibition is adventurous and bold, featuring legendary artists that defined a generation. In Australia for 15 weeks only and exclusive to HOTA, experience this incredible collection of works, direct from New York. 

_{Image credit: Jean-Michel Basquiat, New York, New York, 1981 © Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Licensed by Artestar, New York.}