A free Basquiat exhibition is coming to Toronto

Art lovers are in for a treat in Toronto. They will soon have the opportunity to experience the work and legacy of one of the most influential artists: Jean-Michel Basquiat.

A new exhibition is opening on May 28 at Taglialatella Galleries in Yorkville. It’s celebrating 25 years of limited-edition prints released by the Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat.

An artist of a lifetime

Basquiat was born in New York City and emerged from the downtown art scene in the late 1970s. He quickly became one of the defining figures of Neo-Expressionism, according to the press release.

His work blended graffiti, text, drawing, and abstract painting while confronting issues such as racism, inequality, celebrity culture, and historical narratives.

According to a press release, the exhibition will feature a curated selection of iconic works spanning the artist’s career and lasting cultural impact.

“Basquiat’s work continues to resonate across generations because it speaks to culture, identity, power, and creativity in a way that still feels urgent today,” said Alan Ganev, partner of Taglialatella Galleries.

“This exhibition is about making that legacy accessible. Toronto audiences will have the opportunity to experience museum-calibre Basquiat works for free, including one of the newest releases from the Estate.”

What to expect

The showcase will bring together works produced posthumously over the past two years by the estate. These include the newest release, King Alphonso, 1982/2025.

This work is a limited-edition screenprint of 60 pieces and reflects recurring themes found throughout Basquiat’s career, which include power, identity, race, and mythology.

Other highlighted works include:

• Flexible, 1984/2016
• Hollywood Africans in front of the Chinese Theater with Footprints of Movie Stars, 1983/2015
• Charles the First, 1982/2005
• Cabeza, 1982/2005
• Phooey, 1982/2021

If you want to see these works for yourself, Jean-Michel Basquiat/Editions will be available for free viewing from 6 to 8 p.m. at Taglialatella Galleries.

Basquiat’s work remains instantly recognizable decades later and continues to influence artists all over the world.

“While Basquiat’s original paintings now command prices in the tens of millions and are largely held in museum and private collections, the gallery sees editioned works as an important entry point for collectors and the broader public alike,” shares the gallery.

This is a rare opportunity, Toronto. Don’t miss out on something so iconic this spring.

Jean-Michel Basquiat/Editions

When: May 28 to June 11, 2026
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Taglialatella Galleries — 99 Yorkville Ave.
Cost: Free

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Karen Doradea

Managing Editor, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.

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