Jean-Michel Basquiat “Moses and the Egyptians”

As part of events marking the 20th anniversary of Intesa Sanpaolo’s museum hub, from 14 September the Gallerie d’Italia – Palazzo Leoni Montanari will be welcoming an exceptional guest: Jean-Michel Basquiat’s masterpiece Moses and the Egyptians, on loan from the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

A young star of contemporary American art, Jean-Michel Basquiat helped take street art from the streets of Manhattan and Brooklyn to great galleries and leading museums around the world. This exceptional loan from the Guggenheim Bilbao brings a pivotal piece from the artist’s career to Vicenza; it dates back to 1982, the year he created some of his most stunning works.

Launched four years ago, L’Ospite illustre series brings an artwork from major museums in Italy and beyond to Intesa Sanpaolo’s exhibition spaces – the Gallerie d’Italia and the 36th floor of the Turin Skyscraper.

Jean-Michel Basquiat, Moses and the Egyptians. L’Ospite Illustre da Bilbao, the tenth edition in the series, will be accompanied by an extensive schedule of side events: themed weekend itineraries, a special talk with the art critic Luca Beatrice, the presentation of Downtown 81, the documentary film on Basquiat, and Street art day, when young street artists will be giving their own take on the Gallerie d’Italia of Palazzo Leoni Montanari. There will also be free educational activities and workshops for schools, with a special week dedicated to street art.