Jean-Michel Basquiat & Andy Warhol (Americans, 20th Century). "Palladium Presents: Warhol * Basquiat Paintings". Original color offset lithograph. 1985. Signed by both artists in black marker, lower left and lower right. Edition unknown, presumed very small. The full sheet. Fine impression. Very good condition; colors strong; some dimples in the image; original folds as issued for mailing. An extremely rare and virtually unobtainable object. The companion piece to the legendary, iconic, and famous exhibition poster of two of the greatest artists of the latter part of the 20th Century, standing side by side, perhaps the most poignant and enduring image of the 1980's NYC art scene. Our example, the "invitation poster," shows Warhol landing a punch on Basquiat's chin. While the former poster (titled "Tony Shafrazi * Bruno Bischofberger Present: Warhol * Basquiat Paintings, September 14 through October 19, 1985, 163 Mercer Street, New York) is obtainable, the alternative version was issued for a one-night, invitation only event at the Palladium and very few were printed. We could locate only 2 auction records of this poster in the past 28 years, with only one of these being signed, which sold for $4,153 (€3,222) at PIASA, Paris, November 23, 2008, lot #413. The photograph is by Michael Halsband who also took the picture for the exhibition poster. Undoubtedly to be included in the forthcoming catalogue raisonne of Warhol's posters by Paul Marechal. The show displayed the collaborative paintings that Warhol and Basquiat worked on from 1984-1985. These works were the culmination of their friendship, one which began in the late 70's. Eventually, the two began work on the paintings that would constitute the bulk of this exhibition. But the process was not without conflict. Warhol, whose work ethic was legendary, grew frustrated with Basquiat's erratic appearances and the two worked very little on the paintings at the same time. The show was a financial and critical failure and marked the end of their friendship. The full title of the poster is: "Palladium Presents Warhol * Basquiat Paintings, Saturday * September 14 * 1985 * 10 PM, Palladium, 126 East 14 Street, Exhibition at Tony Shafrazi Gallery, Complimentary Admission for Two." The Palladium was built as a deluxe movie theater by move mogul William Fox in 1927. Beginning in 1971 it was also utilized as a rock concert venue until being converted into a nightclub in 1985 by Steve Rubell, following his success with Studio 54. Overall size: 17 5/16 x 11 1/16 in. (440 x 281 mm). Image size: 17 5/16 x 11 1/16 in. (440 x 281 mm). [28289] |5000| {R100}